Every day smoke alarms save lives and that is why they are so important to have within your home. While you may have your electrical system inspected frequently or you may be careful to not leave a candle burning all night, the reasons for some fires are quite unpredictable and, unfortunately, many individuals have lost their lives due to no warning. If you are not sure how to install a smoke alarm, your St. Paul electrician can do so for you to ensure it is done right. Correct installation is a must because the smoke alarm could be all that stands between life and death.
As for how it works, a smoke alarm detects smoke rather than fire. This is very important because it can detect a problem before fire is ever close to it. Placing these alarms around bedrooms, the kitchen, and spacing them in a way they can be heard no matter where you are in the home is a must. Since smoke travels ahead of a fire, you can make sure you and your family receives ample notice to get out before the fire reaches you.
Replace Your Batteries!
The U.S. Fire Administration recommends smoke alarm batteries to be changed once each year. The best time to do it is when Daylight Savings Times ends and begins. While this is twice per year, it is better to be safe. Batteries have been known to die prematurely while sitting around in a smoke detector. You also want to make sure you test the smoke detector monthly to ensure it is still operational. Batteries can die and so can smoke detectors over time.
Replace Your Unit!
Of course you’re going to replace the unit when it doesn’t work anymore. That is the whole reasoning behind testing it weekly or monthly. It is also recommended by the U.S. Fire Administration that smoke detectors be replaced every 8 to 10 years. Even if the device is still operational, it needs to be replaced by a newer model.
Placing Your Smoke Alarms
Many homeowners in Minnesota have an average of 3 to 4 smoke detectors placed throughout the home. Regulations in Minnesota state that you’re to have one on each floor of the home, including the basement, and approximately 10 feet or less from each bedroom door. Because of these regulations, there are homes that have 10-15 alarms. Sometimes, the larger homes will have more and even smaller homes will if their owners wish to have the most common hazardous areas covered.
