3 Factors To Consider When Shopping for a Smoke Alarm

3/22/2022 (Permalink)

When Looking For A Smoke Alarm, There Are Three Things To Think About.

When it comes to home fires, knowing your home exits, how to use a fire extinguisher and how to contact a fire damage restoration service is paramount for keeping your family safe and mitigating damage. However, when it comes to safety, prevention is equally as important. Having a working smoke alarm greatly improves your chances of evacuating your home and surviving a fire in Upper Montclair, NJ. Here are a few factors to consider when purchasing an alarm.

1. House Size

If your house is large and spacious, you should consider a system that connects each individual detector together. If a unit goes off at one end of the house, it will sound all the alarms that are connected. These systems typically require professional installation since they are wired to your household electric current. Regardless of the size of your house, you should place a smoke detector in every room, hallway and stairway.

2. Sensor Type

Depending on the room you choose to place your smoke alarm, you should review the types of sensors to fit each room’s need. For example, ionization alarms are extremely sensitive, and while they are great for home use, they may not be best for your kitchen, where smoke from your stove or burnt crumbs from your toaster can accidently set off the alarm. Photoelectric sensors are not as easily triggered and work well in kitchens.

3. Testing and Maintenance

Routine testing and maintenance are extremely important when it comes to fire safety. Alarms should be cleaned and tested monthly to ensure they are working properly. Keep each unit free from dust to avoid blocking the sensors and replace batteries as needed. If the units are difficult to reach, you should invest in a system that can be tested with infrared signals.

There are many different options when purchasing a smoke alarm for your home, and it is important to understand the different types and their uses. In addition to finding the right system, making sure that you clean and test your units regularly will help keep you and your family safe if a fire does occur.