When was the last time that you replaced the batteries in your smoke detectors? If you can’t remember, chances are it’s time to test that your detectors are working properly. As your trusted independent home insurance agents we want to make sure you and your family are safe from the threat of a fire breaking out. With the right smoke detector system in place and a few simple DIY steps, you protect your family and help to prevent a fire from destroying your home.
Keep Your Family Protected with Our Fire Safety Tips
While smoke detectors are required by law to be placed in every home, it’s important to keep in mind that not all smoke alarms are created equal. In addition to keeping up with regular testing and maintenance, it’s important that Arizona homeowners work to find the right smoke detector system to fit their home layout and personal needs. When you have a working smoke alarm system in place, the chances for home-fire related fatalities are cut in half. Want to help keep your loved ones protected in the event of a fire? Make sure you follow a few basic smoke alarm safety tips, including:
- Make sure that you install smoke alarms on every level of your home
- Smoke alarms should be installed in each room, including hallways
- When installing smoke detectors, don’t forget your basement and attic
- Test that your smoke detectors are working properly once a month
- Replace smoke detector batteries annually
- Install new smoke alarms every ten years
Which Type of Smoke Detector Works Best?
Some fires move quickly and flare, while others are smoky and smoldering. Because each fire is different, it is important to work with a combination of different types of smoke detectors in your home.
Ionization Smoke Detectors
These smoke detectors are ideal for alerting your family in the event of a fast, flaming fire. But it’s important to keep in mind that they are designed to detect smaller particles and can often give off a false alarm when they come into contact with steam or burnt food. Because of this, they are best placed away from the kitchen.
Photoelectric Smoke Detectors
This type of smoke detectors is best at alerting homeowners in the event of a smoky and smoldering fire. Additionally, they are less likely to set off a false alarm when detecting steam or burnt food, so they’re great for kitchens.
Dual-Sensor Smoke Detectors
These smoke detectors offer the best of both worlds because they have the technology to detect both smoky and flaming fires. They can be placed in bedrooms, hallways and family rooms. But while they work for detecting fires easily, homeowners still need to install separate carbon monoxide detectors throughout the home.
The Benefits of an Interconnected System
Whether you choose to install hard-wired smoke detectors or battery operated options, it’s a good idea to think about interconnecting your system. By making sure all of your smoke detectors are working together, you can rest easy knowing that if a fire breaks out in one area of your home, you will be alerted as all alarms will sound simultaneously.
Protect Your Home and Family with Comprehensive Home Insurance Coverage
In addition to installing advanced smoke alarms throughout your home, the best way to keep your loved ones safe from fire and other threats, is to invest in a comprehensive home insurance policy. Want more great home safety tips? Contact the team at The Don Neely Agency for more fire safety info and be sure to request a quote today.
