Every year in October, homeowners are encouraged to replace the batteries in their smoke alarms as part of National Fire Prevention Week (October 8-14, 2017).
Smoke alarms are a key part of a home fire escape plan and the single most important item to help you survive a fire. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast and working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get out quickly.
The National Fire Protection Association reports that three out of five fatal injuries take place in homes without working smoke alarms and 71 percent of smoke alarms which failed to operate had missing, disconnected or dead batteries
In order to drive awareness surrounding the importance of keeping your smoke alarms constantly on alert, we’ve gone ahead and compiled some simple tips:
- Install smoke alarms inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. Larger homes may need additional smoke alarms to provide enough protection.
- Smoke alarms shouldn’t be installed near windows, doors, ceiling fans and ducts because drafts might interfere with their efficient operation.
- Refrain from placing smoke alarms near bathrooms and heating appliances, as steam, heat, and smoke from cooking can set off false alarms.
- Smoke alarms should be tested monthly and batteries replaced yearly. If an alarm "chirps," warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away.
- Switch out all smoke alarms, including alarms that use 10-year batteries and hard-wired alarms, after they have been in use for at least 10 years.
- Consider purchasing lithium batteries to power smoke alarms; they last longer and are more reliable than alkaline batteries
- For the best protection, interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home so that when one sounds, they all sound - this will ensure the alarm is loud enough to alert everyone.
- Keep smoke alarms clean by vacuuming over and around it regularly. Dust and debris can interfere with its operation.
- There are two kinds of alarms. An ionization smoke alarm is generally more responsive to flaming fires and a photoelectric smoke alarm is generally more responsive to smoldering fires. For the best protection, both types of alarms or a combination alarm (photoelectric and ionization) are recommended.
Watch the original smoke-alarm safety video
NFPA's Dan Doofus reminds you to have enough smoke alarms in your home, test them monthly, and replace them every 10 years.
Take charge during Fire Prevention Week and stop by Battery Giant Rochester Hills for fire prevention tips, smoke alarm batteries and emergency prep advice from a Battery Giant expert. For more information about this year's Fire Prevention Week, visit firepreventionweek.org.
If you are in the Rochester Hills, Rochester, Auburn Hills, Shelby Township, Oakland Township and all of Oakland County, we can help you find the battery that is right for you. For more information about our Rochester Hills location visit www.batterygiantrochesterhills.com or call us at 248-759-4231 for more information on the best selection of premium, long-lasting batteries available. Be sure to LIKE our Battery Giant Rochester Hills Facebook Page and Follow us on Twitter. Please stop in and say hello at our store at 1178 Walton Boulevard in Rochester Hills. We look forward to serving your replacement battery and repair needs in the future.
Jim Annessa Battery Giant Rochester Hills (248) 759-4231 www.BatteryGiantRochesterHills.com