Avoid Injury or Death with Smoke Alarms & A Plan

8/6/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms play a vital role in saving lives and, when properly installed, can cut the risk of injury in half.

It is required that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors be installed in every bedroom, outside all sleeping quarters and on every level of the home. Business owners should consult their local Fire Marshall to ensure that specific building fire codes and smoke detector requirements are met.

Following these recommendations are great, but having proper smoke alarms in place is just the start to protecting your family and property. Having an escape plan allows your family, employees or clients to escape quickly and safely in an emergency situation keeping everyone out of harm’s way.

Tips on Installation & Maintenance

• Install smoke alarms on every level of the home, including the basement.

• Smoke alarms should be installed away from the kitchen to prevent false alarms. Generally, about 10 feet from all cooking appliances.

• Test your alarms at least once a month using the test button.

• Replace batteries in all alarms at least once a year. If an alarm “chirps” the battery is low and should be replaced right away.

• Replace all smoke alarms every 10 years.

Smoke Alarm Facts

• 3 out of 5 fire deaths occur in homes where the smoke detectors are not working properly.

• Smoke alarm failures usually result from missing, disconnected or dead batteries.

• More than one third (37%) of home fire deaths result from fires in which no smoke alarms are present.

• The risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms.

For Business Owners

• See our blog on SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your business.

• This helps you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance of an emergency is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.