Did you know that annual home structure fires cause an average of 2,620 civilian deaths? Although some fires are not preventable, the adversities can be minimized. A functional smoke and carbon monoxide detector could save your life.
If there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. Smoke alarms provide an early warning, so you and your loved ones can get to safety. It could also give you time to prevent fire from spreading.
Despite the vital role of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, many Americans ignore the value of maintaining smoke detectors up-to-date. If you are one of the many Americans, you are putting so much at stake.
You can protect your loved ones with some quick maintenance tips.
Regularly Update Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
You have a responsibility to test your smoke alarms every month. By pressing the test buttons, you can tell if the detectors are up to date.
Maintaining carbon monoxide detectors also means replacing the batteries after every six months. This applies to detectors that use regular batteries. Some detectors will signal using a chirping sound when it’s time to replace the batteries.
Regularly dust the detectors with a vacuum cleaner. Dust and cobwebs can make it hard to detect smoke.
Your smoke detector maintenance strategy should follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. The guide is specific to the batteries and mode of cleaning that must be used.
Replace Your Smoke Detectors Every 10 years
Smoke detectors don’t get better with age. Consumer Reports Agency emphasizes the need of replacing carbon monoxide detectors after every 10 years. Old or malfunctioning sensors lose their sensitivity putting your home at risk.
Smoke alarms have an expiration date. When it’s due, their value is obsolete. Even without expiration, you should know when to replace your smoke detectors.
- When it doesn’t respond when you test it
- When it constantly goes off for no reason
- If the detector turns yellow
- If it constantly chirps even after replacing the batteries
During routine home maintenance, reviewing your smoke detector functionality should be a priority.
Call a professional electrician and have them replaced immediately.
Install More Than One Detector
You are better off with multiple smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. You should place a detector on every level of the home; bedrooms, basement, kitchen, and other rooms.
Protecting your home from carbon monoxide is a worthwhile investment. Although you need to buy several alarms, you may not need to replace them after ten years.
Alarms in the bedroom are particularly important, especially at night. Interconnected smoke alarms increase safety than one single alarm.
Protect Your Loved Ones With Up-to-Date Smoke Detectors
Fires cause brutal injuries and fatalities. You wouldn’t wish the adversity on anyone living under your roof. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
In your upcoming fall home maintenance, ensure your smoke and carbon monoxides are up to date. You will reduce the chances of fire starting and adverse damages like injuries or deaths.
If you need assistance replacing smoke detectors, we are available to help. We can send a professional to your home today to install new smoke detectors.
Contact us to find out more about safe home maintenance operations.
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