Smoke Alarms Saves Lives

5/19/2018 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms save lives when they are installed properly, maintained and checked periodically to make sure they are in working order. 

In a home, there should be a smoke alarm in every bedroom on every level of the home including the basement. In an office or commercial environment, check with your state requirements or contact your local Fire Marshall to help ensure all the codes are met. 

Every month you should use the test button to test the smoke alarms. Smoke alarms with non-replaceable batteries should be replaced every 10 years. Other alarms need batteries replaced every year and the unit replaced every 10 years. Do not ignore the chirp of an alarm battery. That noise is an indication that the battery is low. Take the proper steps to replace the unit or the batteries immediately. Never disable or remove the battery from the alarm. Almost half of fires where smoke alarms were present but did not activate had missing or disconnected batteries (NFPA).

Hard wired or wireless smoke alarms are often used in larger commercial facilities and offer benefits such as not needing to be tested as often and when smoke is detected in one area, the alarm activates throughout the entire building (NFPA).

If you need help installing, testing or changing batteries in your smoke alarms, contact your local fire department, an electrician or the American Red Cross.

Be sure your home or workplace has a fire emergency plan in place and conduct regular fire drills. For more information on Emergency Preparedness, contact SERVPRO of Holland/W. Ottawa County 616-396-8180.

FIRE FACTS:

• 7 People die ever day from a home fire.
• 36 People suffer injuries as a result of home fires every day.
• $7 BILLION in property damage occurs every year.