Approximately 3,000 lives in the US are lost to home fires every year. A huge chunk of these casualties are surprisingly caused by inhalation of smoke or toxic gases rather than by severe burns. In addition, most of the reported fire accidents and fatalities have happened when the family was sleeping. Minimize the possibility of these risks occurring right in your home through learning about smoke alarms and implementing proper safety measures.
As small as a smoke alarm can be, it could actually serve a very significant purpose. As it sends off a loud signal should smoke from a fire source arises, you and your family can safely get out of the house. This simple device then reduces the risk of having to encounter fatalities in case of fire. Then again, it can only function well if it is maintained properly. And so you could provide appropriate care for the device, you must primarily know what type it is you have at home or what type you will purchase.
There are two basic types of smoke alarms. One type is the ionization alarm that signals faster in case a flaming fast-moving fire is present. The other type is the photoelectric alarm that goes off more quickly when smoldering and smoky fire occurs. But a recent fusion of these two technologies has acclaimed more popularity among consumers - the dual sensor smoke alarm. And in order to protect individuals with hearing disabilities, there are new smoke alarms available in markets that use strobe lights or vibrations to send off warnings.
According to the US Fire Administration, it is but fitting to install both types of alarms or the dual sensor type in key places in the house. For multi-story homes, it is best to place alarms on every floor including the basement. Sleeping areas should have individual alarms as well. And outdoor and/or detached spaces within your property should have alarms too.
Ease of installing this device depends on its manufacture. Hard wired alarms that need to be connected to your house electrical system might require you to hire a licensed electrician to do the installation unless you are qualified to do it yourself. For brands like battery-operated or self-adhesive ones, installing them could be such a breeze as you would be only required to screw or stick them to the wall or ceiling. However, be sure to follow the product guide to guarantee it would work accordingly. You might also have to contact your local fire department or other concerned agencies regarding mandatory proper smoke alarm installation.
To promote further alertness in case of fire, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission suggests a set of smoke alarm and fire safety measures to be implemented in your home. For one, a fire escape plan should be one of the major priorities of your family. This drill should include all possible escape ways and designation of emergency numbers and kits. All members of your household, including permanent or occasional house help, should be part of the practice.
It should be practiced at least twice a year, and each drill has to be done twice a day - once during the day and once again when other family members, especially the kids are asleep. The nighttime drill would enable you to see if they are caught off guard. If someone seems to be difficult to awaken, integrate contingency plans to address this problem.
The alarms should be tested monthly. For battery-powered devices, the batteries have to be refreshed at least once a year. Most models come with a feature that indicates low battery charge, either a chirping sound or blinking red light. Lastly, always dust off your alarms to ensure their smoke detection mechanism is not hindered to function well.
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