Smoke Detectors: Your First Line of Defense | SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley

3/27/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke detectors can often give homeowners the first alert of a fire within the home. When they are properly installed and functioning, they can help to protect your property, belongings, and most importantly your loved ones. While every fire cannot be prevented smoke detectors can help you to minimize the damage and protect yourself and those around you. Therefore, it is important to know how to install, monitor, and replace smoke detectors as need be.

Know Where to Install

One of the most important parts of installation of smoke detectors is to place them in the correct parts of the house. The National Fire Protection Association recommends placing smoke alarms on every floor of your home including the basement, inside and outside every sleeping area, and in high risk areas such as the kitchen, laundry room, and boiler area. 

Other Things to Keep in Mind

Choose a smoke detector that is certified by a recognized testing laboratory and not just the cheapest one online. You should also install the smoke detector at least 10 feet away from the stove and large cooking appliances to save you the pain and deafening beeping of a false alarm. Ensure that your smoke alarms all work together as well so that should an alert go off in the basement everyone in the house is aware. Most smoke detectors have wireless connection methods nowadays, otherwise you could contact an electrician or look up how to hardwire them online. Furthermore, there are two different types of smoke detectors: Ionization and photoelectric. Ionization excels in detecting high heat and flaring fires whereas photoelectric are better suited for low heat and smoldering fires. Both of these should be utilized throughout the home for the best coverage and protection.

 Know When to Replace

The vast majority of smoke detectors are designed with an internal non replaceable battery that lasts around 10 years. If your smoke detector is chirping this is a sign of a low battery and should be replaced as soon as possible. You should test all the smoke alarms in your home once every month using the test button on the detector. Furthermore, follow the instructions and manual that came with your smoke detector to clean it and ensure it does not get clogged up with dust or other contaminants which may hamper its ability to detect and alert to fires.

Experienced Fire Damage?

The reality is that even with fully functioning and interconnected smoke detectors, fires can and do unexpectedly happen. The most important thing is that you and your loved ones are safe. SERVPRO has the experience, expertise, and tools needed to properly mitigate and restore fire damage and make it “Like it never even happened.”  If you have experienced recent fire damage to your home or commercial property give SERVPRO® of Santa Clarita Valley a call at (661) 296-4600.