Were you aware that an average of 3,000 people die each year in the United States from the results of a residential fire? That is a huge number and, sad to say, many of these lives could have been saved if they had smoke detectors working in the home. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are so important to a home inspection that if they are not working correctly, they could even alter the inspection report. Let’s look at a few key factors when it comes to smoke detectors in our homes:
You should have a smoke detector fitted on each, occupied, floor of the home. Don’t forget the basement and garage also as these are often areas people store their most flammable home supplies. If you can, have one in each bedroom or at least close to them so that they are easy to hear. It is best to fit smoke detectors to the ceiling or wall and, if being fitted in a basement, close to the stairs is a good idea.
One of the most at risk times for a household in a fire is when they are asleep. With this in mind, plan on performing a fire drill during the night to see if the smoke detectors will easily wake everyone up, especially children, then make sure they know what they should do next. It will help if the smoke alarm sound is different from any others heard in the home so that it is easy to distinguish.
What are some other important safety checks to make regarding smoke detectors?
Check the batteries and do a test of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors at least once a month to make sure they are in good working order.
NEVER disconnect a smoke or carbon monoxide detector, even if it keeps going off when you don’t want it to. Remembering to reconnect them after is not always easy.
