Smoke alarms are an essential part of the fire defense mechanism. They act as the first line of defense. This blog post will cover the important aspects of fire alarms that you should know about. Let this serve as your guide.
It Saves Lives
Smoke detectors act as a first line of defense in your war against fire. Sometimes smoke acts as a precursor to a fire especially in the case of a short circuity. Also, smoke detectors work round the clock even while you are sleeping.
Ionization or Photoelectric
Ionization smoke detectors can help you in detecting split second infernos whereas photoelectric detects small smoldering flames. Ionization smoke detectors have a minute radioactive substance between two electrically charged plates. In the event of an inferno, smoke enters and hinders the flow of ions from one charged plate to other. This will trigger the alarm. Install both ionization and photoelectric smoke detectors in various places of the premises. Few manufacturers also provide a built in option of smoke detectors working in dual mode.
Power
Smoke detectors come in as battery operated or electrically operated. It would be prudent to purchase a battery-operated smoke detector to help you detect fire in the event of a short circuit or power outage.
Location
You should install the smoke detectors in the ceiling as smoke always rise. It would be prudent and beneficial to fix smoke detectors in every room and away from appliances that generate a lot of smoke.
Testing
Check the smoke detectors monthly or regularly to make sure that they function properly. There is normally a test button provided on the fire alarms however, it is better to set up an annual contract with an agency who check and verify other aspects of a smoke detector. Contact your neighborhood experts at Catstrong LLC.
Batteries
Check the batteries of the smoke detector. Few smoke detectors have a sound alarm installed to inform its users about low battery. You should be proactive and check them regularly or replace them once every six months or one year. Better be safe than sorry. Have a peace of mind let us audit your fire protection system and advise you of any shortcomings. We provide a detailed estimate.
Interconnect Your Smoke Detectors
It would be wise to interconnect your smoke detectors as fire usually starts in storerooms or attics. You access these are rarely and probably the fire alarms installed in these areas might be emanating sounds that would be weak to hear. Interconnecting smoke alarms help in detecting fire by sounding every fire alarm. Hence, no matter where you are in the house, the smoke detector will inform about a fire.
Carbon Monoxide Smoke Detectors
You should install these near the fireplaces or locations where carbon monoxide is generated. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer as it is odorless, tasteless, and colorless.
The professionals at Catstrong LLC can aid in guiding you to not only help you decide which smoke detector to use but also advise you on the most effective installation method. Get a detailed estimate by mailing us on [email protected]