Residential smoke detectors have the incredible talent of being completely vital to a safe, functional home while simultaneously being utterly forgettable on a daily basis. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. If your smoke alarm beeped all day just to say “Hello, don’t worry, I’m still here and working!”, it would drive every Kewaunee, WI homeowner up the wall. But then again, having an occasional reminder that your smoke detector is important and that it is working could be the difference between life and death. As the fire damage restoration specialists at ServiceMaster Recovery by Restoration Holdings will attest, it really does make an enormous difference in the world of fire safety.
It doesn’t really seem fair that your life should be dictated by a small beeping circle mounted on your ceiling. But, fair or not, smoke detectors can prevent some of the most tragic aspects of any home fire situation. Smoke inhalation can happen fast and can kill quickly, particularly if a fire breaks out when your household is asleep. Pets, children, and adults with lung or breathing problems are susceptible to even small amounts of smoke exposure. The earlier you know about a fire, the safer everyone will be. Keeping those smoke alarms properly maintained is the only way to assure your family’s safety.
In order to keep your smoke detectors on the top of their game, routinely check all of your alarms by testing them at least twice a month. This may seem excessive, but making testing a priority will give you peace of mind and alert you to a problem long before it’s a danger.
It’s also a good idea to have a reserve supply of batteries appropriate for your smoke detector on hand for when they run low. If you have to remove the batteries for any reason, make sure they are back in place and working before you leave the house or sleep. Along the same lines, it is never a good idea to remove the batteries from your alarms to use in another device.
Finally, always tailor your alarms to the needs of your household. If you have any elderly or hard of hearing housemates, consider installing a strobe light or vibrating alarm. If you have children, consider a talking alarm that gives verbal commands as well as a resounding beeper alarm. There are options that can make smoke detectors work properly in any home situation. Be sure to explore them before a house fire occurs!
The ServiceMaster Recovery by Restoration Holdings fire damage restoration team can restore your Kewaunee, WI home, but they cannot protect your family unless you do your part by ensuring your smoke alarms are functioning properly. Click here for more information on proper smoke detector maintenance and statistics. If you’ve suffered a house fire, call ServiceMaster Recovery by Restoration Holdings at 920.336.7411, or visit our website here. Being smart about safety means being proactive; check your alarms today and make sure you’re ready for anything.