Every home needs to have multiple smoke alarms installed to protect your family. Working smoke alarms in the home can double the chance of your family surviving a house fire.
You should install smoke alarms on each level of your home. Inside all bedrooms and outside all sleeping areas. Consider the following to choose the right smoke alarms for your home and prevent damage from fire and smoke in Springfield Missouri.
What Types of Smoke Alarms are Available?
There are both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms available. The ionization smoke alarms can sense smoke particles of fast-burning fires faster, such as when paper becomes ignited, but aren’t as good as recognizing fires that flame slowly.
The photoelectric alarms are better at detecting fires that burn slowly. These include cigarette fires or electrical fires. Photoelectric alarms are often used in the kitchen since they aren’t as sensitive and won’t go off by the smoke created when cooking.
Another option is to purchase a dual-sensor smoke alarm. These use both ionization and photoelectric sensors, so they’re able to recognize any type of fire fast. This provides the best protection from fire and smoke for homes today.
Interconnected or Standalone Smoke Detectors?
In larger homes, it can be hard to hear a smoke alarm across the house, especially with the TV or music on. That’s why it’s often a good idea to opt for interconnected smoke alarms that are hardwired. If one smoke alarm goes off, the rest will, too so there’s no need to worry about hearing the alarms.
With independent or standalone smoke alarms, they are not connected, so one alarm going off in the kitchen will not lead to all the other smoke detectors going off in the house.
Make Sure Your Smoke Alarms Meet UL Standards
If you’ve purchased an older home, make sure that all your smoke alarms that have a UL label on the packaging. This label shows that the smoke alarm has been tested by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. to meet or exceed industry standards.
When purchasing new smoke detectors, check the manufacturer date on the packaging and purchase ones that were made recently.
Check for Testing Ability
It is recommended to test smoke alarms monthly to make sure they continue to work properly. All smoke alarms should have a test button to make this easy to do. There are even smoke detector options that come with a remote, making testing even easier.
Consider Maintenance
Maintenance shouldn’t be difficult for your smoke alarms. Removable covers make it easier to gently vacuum the unit to avoid the accumulation of dust. You can also remove any build-up on the exterior of your smoke alarms by wiping them clean with a gentle detergent.
Smoke Detector Specialized Options
Specialized options are available for those with hearing impairments. These have a strobe light or a vibrating pad that can be placed underneath the person’s pillow. These specialized smoke alarms are often connected with any standard smoke alarms throughout the home.
After Buying Your Smoke Alarms
After purchasing your smoke alarms, make sure to test them at least monthly. Once per year, replace the batteries and once every 10 years, replace the actual smoke alarms. Doing this will ensure your smoke alarms always work whenever they’re needed.
Smoke alarms significantly increase the potential for surviving a fire, so make sure there are plenty throughout the home and that they’re the right kind.
If you ever need help with smoke and fire damage restoration after a house fire, call the professionals at PuroClean Certified Restoration to have the job done right.