Smoke detectors are one of the security features most important in your home. If your home is well maintained smoke detectors, the chances of your family surviving a fire are greatly increased. From 2003 to 2006, 66% of deaths from house fires occurred in homes without detectors work (National Fire Protection Association).
Most homes have smoke detectors, but many times they are not located properly or not working due to lack of maintenance. Of course, a smoke detector in the wrong place or that no longer works because it has a dead battery does not provide protection for your family.
Maximize protection
Your family will have maximum protection if:
Your detectors are located.
You replace the batteries regularly (see below for schedule).
You replace the entire detector every 8-10 years (or in the case of lithium long life, according to the manufacturer's instructions).
For any family member who is hearing impaired, your home needs special detectors that shine lights or buzzer.
Can I install it myself?
You can buy battery-powered smoke detectors from a hardware store and install yourself. (If you decide to install your smoke detectors clean, check your local building codes for placement.) For detectors that are wired into your electrical system, the administration recommends that fire detectors be installed by a qualified electrician.
Are they expensive?
Depending on the type of detector you decide on, they can run from $ 10 - $ 40 each, not including installation costs.
How should they be kept?
Most detectors start "chirping" when the batteries are discharged. In addition, the United States Fire Administration recommends testing every month. They recommend:
Regular 9-volt batteries should be replaced at least annually.
10 years of lithium ("long") the batteries are not replaceable. Instead, when the battery dies, the entire detector must be replaced.
Wired sensors, which means they are connected to your electrical installation should have battery backup. Replace the backup batteries per year.
Replace regular battery powered detectors and wired detectors every 8-10 years. If you have a lithium 10 years, replace in accordance with manufacturing instructions.
Your detectors positioned correctly?
The guidelines given here can help you determine whether existing smoke detectors are positioned correctly. If you install the battery yourself, follow the investment requirements of your local building code. In general, it is recommended that you have a smoke detector:
· At each level of your home
· In each room
· In 10-15 feet of the door of each room
Within these general guidelines, the detectors must be located where smoke can be easily detected - high on the walls or ceiling (smoke rises) and at a distance of windows, fans and vents that could blow the smoke away from the detector.
If the smoke detector is wired into your electrical system, it should not be on a circuit that can be turned off by a wall switch.
If a smoke detector is placed too near a stove in the kitchen or the shower, it can be unnecessarily triggered by steam or smoke normal cooking. Better to move to another location that also meets the general guidelines and safety of your local building code.
If you are unsure about the placement or need help installing or replacing batteries, call a qualified electrician who is familiar with your local building code for smoke detectors.
