Turning to a professional for fire restoration after you’ve experienced damage to your home or belongings is one of the surest ways to recovery. However, there are ways to prevent fire damage altogether. Smoke alarms have saved thousands of lives and millions of dollars; but even though they can be purchased for under $10, 12% of U.S. homes do not have them. Using fire alarms is the most proactive way to protect your family and home from fires.
Smoke alarms are one of the few ways to protect us when we sleep, and although some fire restoration professionals are available 24 hours a day, alarms are still necessary. They should not only be placed outside bedrooms and in hallways, but inside bedrooms as well. Avoid placing them in kitchens, garages, unheated attics and crawl spaces. These are areas where fumes can set them off or where temperature affects their functionality. Use heat detectors in these spaces instead.
Install smoke alarms on ceilings or high on the walls, between four and 13 inches from the ceiling. Keep about three feet between alarms and heating systems and doors to kitchens or bathrooms. The smoke alarm is only functional if it can wake you when you and your family are asleep. Test them before installation to make sure they can be heard from all areas of the home by all members of the family. Also, test them once a month. All alarms have a test button. If they do not properly respond, replace it immediately. Smoke alarms should last about ten years, but do not hesitate to replace them sooner if they act up. Oftentimes, home owners will remove alarms as a quick fix to turn it off in cases of false alarms. Always remember to reinstall immediately in these situations.
The price of purchasing a smoke alarm and the time it takes to install it is worth the deeds it does for you and your family. The need for fire restoration could be avoided with these simple devices. However, when a fire does hit your home, reach out to the fire restoration experts at Rainbow International®, any time of the day. Always have the Rainbow International 888-HANDLED number nearby for such emergencies. Check out www.rainbowintl.com for additional tips and information.
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Written by Genie Simmons
Topics: Electrical