Print Article for : Smoke And Co Detector

Your Online Guide » Home Decor » Home Management

[S628]Smoke And Co Detector

by Ralph Winn, Ral

Statistics show that installing a smoke detector saves lives. According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), "Homes with a smoke detector typically have a death rate that is 40 to 50 percent less than the rate for homes without a smoke detector."

The NFPA sets the rules and regulations pertaining to residential smoke detectors, but most people aren't aware of these policies. The NFPA also provides the public with information on smoke detector maintenance and when you should replace them.

Regulations for Smoke Detectors

Because a smoke detector is usually hardwired into the electrical systems of many older homes, retrofitting these residences with a new smoke detector is often difficult. But, upgrading your smoke detector is essential to ensuring you and your family are safe if a fire ever breaks out in your home.

Below are the NFPA smoke detector regulations for existing homes.

• Place a smoke detector, loud enough to hear through a closed door, outside each bedroom.
• Install at least one smoke detector on each level of the home.
• A smoke detector powered by the home's electrical system must have battery-powered backup.
• All smoke detectors on each floor must be interconnected.

According to NFPA regulations, an additional smoke detector must be located in each sleeping area.

Replacing and Maintaining Your Smoke Detector

"Simple steps like maintaining smoke detectors and replacing older ones help diminish the possibility of fire deaths in the home," says John R. Hall, Jr., NFPA's assistant vice president for fire analysis and research. The rules of thumb are to replace a smoke detector every 10 years and when you move into a new residence.

A smoke detector is a crucial fire-safety tool, but installing and replacing it is only half the battle. Proper maintenance is also necessary. Performing the following tasks makes it easy to keep your smoke detector in good working condition.

• Perform a monthly check by pressing the test button on your smoke detector.

• Replace batteries annually and when the smoke detector begins to emit the low-battery warning beep.

• Clean your smoke detector weekly by a vacuuming any accumulated dust or dander, and wipe it down monthly with a damp rag.

• Install long-lasting batteries into all smoke detectors.

Smoke detector maintenance is neither difficult nor time consuming, but it is imperative to ensure proper function.

In addition to the existing requirement of having smoke alarms installed outside of all sleeping areas, this new amendment requires that smoke alarms be installed on all other floor levels of your home, including those not containing sleeping areas. This requirement is applicable to all single family, semi-detached and town homes, whether owner-occupied or rented.

Homeowners and landlords must make sure that they are in compliance. Individual property owners who fail to comply with the Ontario Fire Code smoke alarm requirements can face penalties of up to $50,000. More importantly, failure to comply could have serious consequences in the tragic event of a fire occurring.

Smoke alarms are critical safety devices that have been in existence for at least 30 years; however people continue to perish in homes without working smoke alarms. Both, Ontario Fire statistics and local fire statistics revealed that in about 50% of fatal home fires, the victims had no smoke alarm warning.

A working smoke alarm will provide you with the protection and early warning that you need to give you and your family the best chance to survive a fire in your home.

If you require further information regarding this new Fire Code amendment or require assistance in determining proper smoke alarm placement in your home, contact the Fire Prevention Division of your local Fire Department.

Important Smoke Alarm Safety Facts:

•? Never remove batteries from smoke alarms. If "nuisance" alarms are a problem, try moving the alarm to another location or purchase an alarm with a "pause feature" that temporarily silences the alarm.

•? Replace smoke alarms every 10 years.

•? Test smoke alarms once a month and replace the batteries every year.

•? Ensure that all members of your household know what to do when the smoke alarm sounds. Develop a home fire escape plan and practice it.

•? If anyone in the household sleeps with the bedroom door closed, consider installing a smoke alarm inside the bedroom.

Article Source : Pg. 212

About Author

Both Ralph Winn & Roger Frost are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Ralph Winn has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Security, Home Management and Home Management. Ralph Winn writes about and other related topics. For more information on. Ralph Winn's top article generates over 40500 views. to your Favourites.

Roger Frost has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Management, Home Improvement. Napoleon Home Inspections brings you the most up-to-date articles that are available on any subject concerning your home. From Barrie to Toronto Ontario our offices are determined to assist home owners in every possible way. We offer a Risk Free". Roger Frost's top article generates over 480 views. to your Favourites.