Smoke Alarms - Fire Safety

1/16/2020 (Permalink)

Make sure you have working smoke alarms in your home.

Smoke alarms save lives when properly installed and maintained, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).  In homes, smoke alarms should be in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level, including the basement.  Extra smoke alarms may be needed in large homes.

Test smoke alarms monthly using the test button.  Smoke alarms with non-replaceable batteries need the entire smoke alarm unit replaced every ten years.  Other alarms need batteries replaced every year and the unit replaced every ten years.  If the alarm chirps signaling low battery, take the proper steps to replace the unit or the batteries immediately.  Never disable or remove the battery from an alarm.

Almost half of fires where smoke alarms were present but did not activate had missing or disconnected batteries according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).  If you need help installing, testing or changing batteries in your smoke alarms, contact your local fire department or an electrician.  Be sure your home has a fire emergency plan in place and conduct regular fire drills with your family.  

For more information on Emergency Preparedness, contact SERVPRO of Plainfield / Naperville South. 

Source: Residential Newsline, Volume 17, Issue 2.