Smoke detectors definitely save lives. Early warning is the only way to survive a fire. Newspaper headlines and stories often point out the fact that a family did not have a smoke detector and were not able to survive a fire. Smoke detectors are so easy and cheap to install you that you shouldn’t have to think twice about putting one in your house and protecting the most valuable asset of all, your family.
There are three basic types of smoke detectors out there: those using an ion chamber, and those using a photoelectric principal.
Ionization detectors detect most products of combustion. They can detect a fire even if there is no visible smoke.
Photoelectric detectors detect visible particles of white or gray smoke.
Combined detectors use both principals in the one detector.
The detectors all run on battery power or can be hooked up to the mains electricity. It is possible to find detectors with more features to make them more effective such as inter-connectivity so that if one alarm is set off in one room, it will trigger them throughout the house. You can also obtain detectors with silence buttons for when they may go off unnecessarily such as when cooking. Shop around to find the best option that leaves you with peace of mind for your family security.
Where to install your smoke detectors
You should have at least one detector on each floor of your home. If you live in a single-story house and the sleeping areas are spread out, install a detector at the entrance to each sleeping area. Also, if you have a high vaulted ceiling, put one detector about a foot below the top of that ceiling and one more in the hall leading to the bedrooms.
Battery operated smoke detectors need no more than a screwdriver and a few spare minutes to install. If you have chosen a model that needs to be wired to the house, it is definitely recommended that you hire an electrician. The last thing you need when trying to ensure your family’s safety is to get electrocuted.
Maintaining your smoke detectors
Smoke detectors are undoubtedly the easiest appliance for the most protection that you’ll ever own. They take very little attention. Simply test it with its “test” button if it has one or by burning a small candle, once a month. Regardless of whether they need it, change the batteries once a year to make sure they are working to their potential. You can make the maintenance easy by establishing a regular test pattern. Choose the 1st of the month or the day of the month that is your birthday number.
Smoke detectors are the most easy and affordable means to protect you and your family against avoidable fire accidents.
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