A simple test can save lives

The National Fire Protection association reports 70% of smoke alarms that did not work during a fire had missing or dead batteries. Have you tested yours recently?

It's a good idea to get in the habit of changing the batteries in your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors when you change your clocks for Daylight Saving time. As a rule of thumb, it’s important to change your detector batteries yearly, test your detectors monthly and replace the entire alarm every ten years. Take some time this month to check that your detectors are installed correctly to keep yourself and your family safe.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector Safety Checklist:

• Make sure there are smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in EVERY sleeping room in the house, every hallway and every additional level of your home including the basement.
• The smoke alarm in the basement should be placed on the ceiling at the bottom of the stairs that lead to the next level.
• Smoke alarms that are mounted on the wall should be 4” from the ceiling. Smoke alarms that are mounted on the ceiling should be mounted 4” from the wall.
• Avoid putting your Smoke alarms within 10 feet of cooking appliances to avoid false alarms.
• Carbon Monoxide Detectors should ideally be at knee level, but they can be installed at chest level if you have children. Make sure Carbon Monoxide detectors are not blocked by curtains or furniture.
• Never paint over your alarms or put any sort of decal over them. This can affect the ability of the alarm to work properly.

​These steps may seem like a pain, but it's a little bit of effort that can save lives. Make the time and be safe!

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Article provided courtesy of Tim Hidell, Residential Mortgage Services Inc.  For original article, please click here.