Smoke Detectors: LIFE SAVERS

5/19/2020 (Permalink)

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 and on every level, including the basement. In office and commercial environments, check your state requirements or contact your local Fire Marshall to help ensure all codes are met.

Here are some guidelines to follow for properly using and maintaining a smoke alarm:

• Test smoke alarms monthly using the test button.
• Smoke alarms with non-replaceable batteries need the entire smoke alarms 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 the fires where smoke alarms were present but did not activate had missing or disconnected batteries (NFPA). 

In larger commercial facilities, hard wired or wireless smoke alarms offer benefits such as not needing to be tested as often and activating throughout the entire building if smoke is detected in just one area (NFPA). 

If you need help installing, testing, or changing batteries in your smoke alarms, contact your local fire department, an electrician or the American Red Cross. 

Be sure your home or workplace has a fire emergency escape plan in place and conduct regular drills to ensure proper execution of the plan. The NFPA website  is a good resource for information. 

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