Smoke alarms are essential elements of property protection and are responsible for the saving of many lives and property each year. With the advanced technology available these days, smoke alarms are equipped to detect all kinds of fire and they are easy to install and maintain.
There are a variety of smoke alarms available that provide protection, detection, and security. Although the brands of battery smoke alarms vary, there are two basic category types that make up smoke detectors: ionization alarms and photoelectric alarms. Photoelectric alarms are faster at sensing slow-burning, smoldering fires. Ionization alarms are quicker at sounding when it comes to fast-moving fires with flame. There are dual sensor smoke and heat alarms that are a combination of ionization and photoelectric alarms. Because there are different kinds of fires, it is recommended that smoke alarm users employ both ionization and photoelectric alarms because each detects distinct types of fires and one can never know what kind of fire will break out in any given situation or home. For those people with hearing disabilities, there are smoke alarms available that vibrate and also flash with strobe lights so that they are alerted to the dangers of fire and smoke.
Smoke alarms need to be placed on every level of a home and apartment building and this includes the basement level. The detectors should be put at proper levels, as many gases and fires rise, so that they will be detected early enough to provide sufficient warning. It is a good idea to install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms both inside and outside sleeping areas and make sure that a working alarm is in place in the kitchen.
Smoke alarms should be checked regularly. Their batteries should be tested each month and replaced at least once each year. Batteries inside the alarm should never be taken out, even if it sounds often while cooking in the kitchen. Waving a towel near the alarm will silence it, and there are units that have nuisance alarm buttons. Moving the alarm to a less sensitive area will also prevent non-fire alarms from sounding. It is recommended that the smoke alarm unit itself be replaced every eight to ten years.
The lives of many depend on smoke alarms. We cannot afford to live without them.