Smoke Detectors: What You Should Know About Them

There are a lot of people who believe that installing smoke detectors in the right places in your home can save lives. If there is a fire in your home, then this device is your family’s first line of defense, simply because they give you an early warning that you may be in danger, therefore providing you and your family enough time to get to safety.

This is a very important device that should be installed in all homes. Some of the newer homes already have smoke alarms that are already wired directly into the electrical system, while portable versions of the life saving device that are battery operated and easy to install are also sold in the market.

There are two main types of technologies that are used in smoke detectors, and each type has its own way of detecting a particular type of smoke. The Ionization type of smoke alarm is usually better at detecting fast, flaming fires that spread quickly and burn combustible materials rapidly. These could be paper burning in a waste basket, or a grease fire in the kitchen. Believe it or not, these kinds of fire actually account for 70% of all home fires.

The Photoelectric type of smoke alarm, however, is better at detecting slow-burning fires that account for 30% of all home fires. These type of fires smolder for a few hours before actually bursting into flames and can be caused by cigarettes burning in couches that are made from combustable materials and bedding.

It is actually suggested that both types and models of smoke detectors incorporating both technologies be installed in your home. This will definitely ensure that you are alerted right away to any kind of fire and hopefully in time to save lives.

Smoke alarms should be installed outside each bedroom and sleeping area, as well as on each level of your home, including the basement. Ideally they should be sited in the kitchen and near large items of electrical equipment. Make sure that you have thoroughly read the manufacturer’s directions for testing and cleaning the smoke detectors to ensure that they are in proper working condition.

You should also replace any smoke alarm devices in your home that is more than 10 years old. Newer detectors should have a manufacturers date stamped on the underside, that is the date you should go by to be safe.

It is also very important for you and your family to develop a "family escape plan" in case a fire does occur in your home. Make sure that everyone in your family, especially your children; understand what they should do if they hear the alarm system going off. Never forget to assign a meeting point outside of your home in case such an emergency arises.

You and your family should also be in the habit of unplugging electrical items before going to bed. Check that candles and cigarettes are stubbed out and that ash trays are emptied into a non inflammable bin. Matches and lighters should always be hidden away from younger, curious members of the family.

Apart from smoke detectors you can acquire, fire extinguishers, fire blankets and folding ladders for the upstairs of your home. All of these items save lives.

By: Patricia A. Jones

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To learn more about the best smoke detectors and check out fire safety products with reviews visit bestsmokedetectors.co.uk Home Smoke Detector Tips