When a fire occurs in a home, smoke is the biggest threat to people’s lives. However, the risk for anyone to lose their life in a home fire is cut in half when there are working smoke alarms in the home. Simply put, smoke alarms save lives. Here are other important facts about smoke alarms:
Essential Facts About Smoke Alarms
- According to The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), 60% of home fire deaths occur in homes with no working smoke alarms.
- Nearly 75% of all U.S. homes have at least one working smoke alarm.
- In 50% of the reported fires in homes that had smoke alarms, the alarms did not sound because they were disconnected or had no batteries.
- Smoke alarms can go off randomly in multiple situations where smoke was not involved (such as high humidity).
- Most home fire fatalities happen when people are asleep (between 11 PM and 7 AM). Smoke alarms help occupants wake up and escape the fire.
- Smoke alarms provide more safety if they are interconnected throughout the entire home, on all floors.
- Smoke alarms should be kept at least ten feet away from the stove or oven.
- Smoke alarms should be tested every month (by pushing the test button) and replaced every ten years.
- Alkaline batteries should be replaced at least once a year.
- There are two types of smoke alarms (both kinds should be used in homes):
- Ionization smoke alarms warn about flaming fires more quickly.
- Photoelectric smoke alarms are quicker to warn about smoldering fires.
- There are also smoke alarms designed for people with hearing impairments. These alarms have a strobe light and/or a vibrating pad.
Although smoke alarms help increase your safety by making you aware of a home fire, they don’t provide sufficient protection against house fires. Install a fire sprinkler system to greatly reduce the chances of a fire spreading in your home. For professional fire, water, and mold restoration services, contact your local PuroClean office.
