Having Smoke Detectors Saves Life

Statistics show that most fires start in the home during the late night/early morning hours. A majority of the time, the homeowners are not even aware that there is a fire billowing in their home until it is too late. Therefore, the U.S. government suggests that every home should be equipped with smoke detectors. Purchasing a few of these and also a couple of carbon monoxide detectors is a good idea. Statistics show that many people who die in house fires had no knowledge that they were being overwhelmed by thick smoke. And those who do wake up in time suffer severe smoke inhalation and even burns. If you have a family, then take a look at them and ask yourself: "Is it worth the risk?"

Most home fires start late at night while people are sound asleep. Unfortunately, in a lot of cases, the occupants are unaware that there is a fire going raging until it is too late. Some people think that they do not need detectors for smoke and fire in their homes because their natural "fire alert" will wake them up, but this is not usually the case. The U.S. government wants every home in the country to be equipped with working smoke detectors. It would be a horrible tragedy to wake up inside a fire, simply because you did not go to a store and buy a couple of detectors and some batteries for them. It is also a good idea to have working carbon monoxide detectors in your home.

If there were a fire in your home tonight, would you be prepared? Most home fires start late at night, and can quickly burn down an unprepared home, and can even kill the occupants before they are aware that there is a fire. The U.S. government suggests keeping several working smoke detectors inside their homes. Even if you think you would wake up and smell the fire before it becomes dangerous, is that really a risk you are willing to take with the lives of your loved ones? Purchasing several of these detectors, as well as carbon monoxide detectors, is a simple way to prevent a horrible tragedy in your family.

Everyone should be prepared, in the event of a house fire. Almost all house fires start at night while people are sleeping, so it is important to have a warning system that will wake you in the event of a deadly fire. Smoke detectors save lives. The U.S. government recommends that every household have several working detectors installed in case of emergencies. Just make sure you have at least one. Your safety is in your hands.

Every general hardware and home supply store carries battery operated smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors for carbon monoxide detection. Most of these are powered by 9-volt batteries. Read the back of the box to be sure you know which type of batteries you need to buy. Purchase enough to cover each level of your home. Install an alarm inside many different areas of your house. Some communities have a service where the fire department will come to your home and install the alarms for you. This service is very handy for the elderly and for those unable to move easily on their own.

After you have installed your smoke detectors, they should be ready to go. It is good to replace the batteries in your alarms, as well as your carbon monoxide detectors, at least once a year. As a part of semi-annual home maintenance, it is recommended that you add a field on your list for changing the batteries. The entire alarm unit should be replaced within 10 years of the original purchase. Do not be surprised if your new alarm goes off while you are cooking. The alarm is working properly if this happens, so take comfort in knowing that simple fact.

Most hardware stores and general supply stores carry battery operated smoke detectors for detecting smoke and fire, as well as carbon monoxide detectors for detecting carbon monoxide. Most run on 9 volt batteries, but check the label on the back of the box to make sure you are buying the right kind. You should make sure you have enough detectors to cover every level of your home. The more areas covered the better. Some companies and the fire department will provide the service of hanging the alarms for you if you wish.

Once your smoke detectors are hung, they are ready. However, the batteries should be replaced every year, because you would not want to have old batteries installed, just in case of a fire. If you have a home-maintenance list, then it is a good idea to put replacing the alarm batteries, in both detectors for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, on the list so that you remember to change them. After ten years, the whole alarm should be replaced. Even the smallest amount of smoke can cause smoke detectors to go off; so many times it will go off during cooking. Just fan the smoke away, and it will be fine. Take comfort from the fact that it will be sure to go off in a real emergency.

Your new smoke detectors should last for a long time after the date of purchase. Be sure to record when you bought the alarms somewhere in a household record. Monthly testing of your alarms is a necessary preventative maintenance task for your home. It is also wise to sit down and plan with your family what to do in the event of a fire emergency or if your carbon monoxide detectors go off. There is no such thing as being too prepared. Being prepared with a system of alarms backed up with extinguishers and an escape plan, as well as two way radios for contact if separated, will maximize your chances of getting out alive.

Your smoke detectors should last a long time. Record when you bought them so you will know when it is time to replace the units. Testing the alarms once a month is a also a good safety practice. Another good thing to do in conjunction with your alarm is to create a fire plan with your family and also a plan in case your carbon monoxide detectors go off. Perhaps even have two way radios that the family can use to contact each other, in case of separation. The more prepared you are for a home emergency, the batter chances you and your family will have of surviving.

Smoke detectors last a long time with proper maintenance. Testing the alarm once a month is a good thing to incorporate into your maintenance schedule to be sure it is always working. Create a fire plan with your family so that you all know what to do in case of a fire or even in the case of carbon monoxide detectors going off. You might also think about investing in two way radios, in case of family separation. It is impossible to be too prepared for an emergency.