Smoke detectors are the first line of defense against any major outburst of fire in your house. It makes sense to keep the battery charged and smoke detectors in sync with modern practices. It is better to have upgraded smoke detectors than to fight against a fire to save your loved ones or family especially if you have the elderly in the house. Being prepared is always an advantage in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

The following information is intended for use when providing safety messages in the home.

1. Smoke alarms save lives.
2. Even if you don’t smell smoke, get out of the house immediately when you hear the smoke alarms.
3. Make sure you know where all your family members are and what they’re doing at all times.
4. Leave the door to your bedroom open so that if you have a fire in your bedroom, your family can escape through that door quickly.
5. If a fire alarm sounds: immediately leave the building, call 9-1-1 from outside of the building and stay clear of any smoke until firefighters arrive to put out the fire or evacuate everyone out of the building safely.
6. If there’s an electrical short circuit in a home, this can cause fires to start quickly, but not as easily extinguished as one caused by natural gas or gasoline used for cooking purposes.

A smoke alarm is a valuable tool in the fight against fire. Without one, you and your family might suffer serious consequences.

When you install a smoke alarm, make sure it is easy to find and hear in case of an emergency.

In addition, test your smoke alarms monthly by following these steps:

1. Inspect batteries every month or as needed (depending on the manufacturer’s instructions). Batteries should be replaced when they are weak or dead.
2. Test the alarm at least once a month. If you do not hear it, replace the battery(s) and test again.
3. If you lose power from your electrical system, test the alarm by pulling its battery tab out of its backplate (on some models). If it fails to sound after 60 seconds, replace the battery(s) and test again.
4. Always test a new battery before installing it in your smoke alarm.

According to National Fire Protection Association, there are Smoke Alarm Safety Messages. As part of a home fire escape plan, smoke alarms are critical. Smoke spreads quickly when there is a fire. A working smoke alarm will give you an early warning so you can get outside as soon as possible.

Among them are:

• Keeping a door closed can slow the spread of fire, smoke, and heat. Each sleeping area and every sleeping room should have smoke alarms. Every level of the house should be equipped with alarms. Ensure that the basement has alarms.
• Smoke alarms may be needed in large homes.
• It is recommended that smoke alarms are interconnected. One sound triggers them all.
• Make sure all smoke alarms are tested at least once a month. Test the alarm by pressing the test button.
• Today’s smoke alarms will respond to a variety of fire conditions while mitigating false alarms.
• Smoke alarms should be mounted on the ceiling or high on a wall. Smoke alarms should be kept away from the kitchen to prevent false alarms. A minimum distance of 10 feet (3 meters) should be maintained between them and the stove.
• A special alarm can be used by people who are hard of hearing or deaf. Strobe lights and bed shakers are included in these alarms.
• Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years whether at home or in commercial establishments.
• As part of a fire escape plan, smoke alarms must be installed.

Upgrading your smoke detectors is an imperative and necessary step. These devices are meant to save you, especially in case of any emergency accidents and it is better to be safe than sorry. And taking good care of them will ensure long life and lesser chances of breakdowns.