Did you know that you should replace the batteries in your smoke alarms annually? In addition to installing the right smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detectors in your home, it is important to keep up with regular maintenance as well. As your trusted independent North Prairie area home insurance agents, we want to make sure you and your family are protected in the event of a fire. Check out our smoke detectors safety tips below to give yourself and your family’s peace of mind.
Smoke Alarm Safety: Why Every Wisconsin Home Needs Them
Smoke detectors are a safety must in all homes. It is important to install smoke detectors that work to detect both flaming and smoldering fires throughout the home, along with carbon monoxide detectors as well. Typically, experts agree that smoke detectors should be installed on every level of your home. They also recommend that you have a smoke detector in each room of your home, including the hallways. Additionally, finished basements and attics also need smoke detectors. Carbon monoxide detectors are also needed on each level of your home and near an attached garage.
Smoke Detectors Basics
Every fire burns differently, so it’s important to install different types of smoke detectors in your home to keep your family safe.
Photoelectric Smoke Detectors
This type of smoke detector works by identifying larger particles that are associated with flaming and fast-moving fires. They are less prone to false alarms that may be triggered by steam or burnt food, so they are safe to place in the kitchen.
Ionization Smoke Detectors
This type of smoke detector is designed to detect smaller particles that are most often found in the event of smoldering and smoky fires. Because of this feature, they may sound false alarms when placed in a kitchen or other cooking area.
Dual-Sensor Smoke Detectors
These smoke detectors combine the features found in both photoelectric and ionization smoke detectors to offer homeowners the best of both worlds. They are often used in sleeping areas and hallways but shouldn’t be used as an all-in-one system, as you’ll still need carbon monoxide detectors placed throughout your home.
Advantages of an Interconnected Smoke Alarm System
When your smoke alarms are interconnected, they can communicate with each other to provide your family with maximum protection. Most smoke detectors can be connected to each other with either a hard-wired or wireless RF radio signal system. This means that if a fire breaks out on one level of your home, all of the interconnected alarms will sound, alerting you and your family members quickly. They will also tell you which detector sounded the initial alarm so that you can act quickly to take the next steps.
Additional Smoke Detector Safety Considerations
Even with the right smoke detector system in place, homeowners should keep up with regular smoke alarm maintenance. This means that you should be testing each smoke detector in your home once a month and replacing their batteries annually. Additionally, smoke detectors should be replaced once every ten years.
Keep Your Family Safe with Comprehensive Home Insurance
While installing the right smoke detectors throughout your home is the first line of defense against fire, investing in a comprehensive home insurance policy is important as well. Not sure what your current policy covers? Now is the perfect time to review your coverage with Wolfgram Insurance Agency. Contact our friendly team online for more information and be sure to request a quote today.
