Be Preventative! It is extremely important to have one or more smoke detectors in your home, to have them installed properly, and for you to maintain them properly. Smoke detectors will detect the slightest ounce of smoke in the air. Smoke detectors that are installed properly throughout your home are a safety precaution. Smoke detectors will alert you in case of a fire of any size in your home or office, and in turn provides you and your family a recognized alarm to move quickly to safety. Location Of Installation: The faster your smoke detectors detect the smoke, the quicker you can escape to safety. At least one detector should be placed near the sleeping area in your home. Use multiple smoke detectors if you have more than one sleeping area. Make sure the smoke detectors are high on the wall, since smoke, like heat, rises. Make sure they are not hung behind any curtains or hidden behind furniture. This may inhibit the smoke detectors ability to work properly. Although you would think a detector would be properly placed in your kitchen or near your fireplace, this positioning may produce malfunctions and continuous false alarms. Wire Detector Or Battery? A detector can be installed either through wall wiring or with a battery. Wire detectors will generally always have power, as long as your home has power, and as long as you are diligent about checking your batteries, your battery system will work. It is recommended to have smoke detectors with both a wire and battery backup system. Make Your Purchase! Smoke detectors can be purchased at home improvement stores, discount wholesale stores, department stores, and through online resources. Detectors are not too expensive, but if you feel as though you cannot afford one, you should contact your nearest fire department. The fire department will oftentimes offer free or deeply discounted programs to assist families of lower income. You can even ask you fire department with installation help. Maintain, Maintain, Maintain! No matter which type of alarm system you have, keep the unit clean and free of dust. Dust is a function inhibitor of all detectors! Be preventative and protect your family with a high-quality detector! |
