All About Smoke Alarms

6/3/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke Alarms cut the risk of dying from home fires in half.

The best thing you can do to help yourself during a fire, is to be prepared beforehand. Smoke alarms can alert you to a fire fast in order to get your family out safe and so you can call emergency services to limit damage. Below are tips pertaining to smoke alarms as provided by National Fire Protection Association.

1. A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. Install alarms in the basement. Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound.
2. Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
3. It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms. When one smoke alarm sounds they all sound.
4. Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
5. Today’s smoke alarms will be more technologically advanced to respond to a multitude of fire conditions, yet mitigate false alarms.
6. A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall. Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms. They should be at least 10 feet (3 meters) from the stove.
7. People who are hard-of-hearing or deaf can use special alarms. These alarms have strobe lights and bed shakers.
8. Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.
9. Smoke alarms are an important part of a home fire escape plan.

Remember If a fire occurs in your home, GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL FOR HELP. Never go back inside for anything or anyone.

SERVPRO of Norridge/Harwood Heights reminds you to check your smoke alarms and stay safe in case of a fire!