It may be hard to believe, but every six seconds firefighters respond to a house call about a fire that’s gotten out of hand. Not surprisingly, most of the home fires actually start in the kitchen. With the stove and possible oil in that room, it’s an absolute must to have a fire alarm in there. Using a fire alarm is one of the most affordable and tried-and-true methods to protect yourself and your family in the event of a fire. While some situations do require expensive surveillance and security systems, fire is something that can easily be avoided with a simple fire alarm. Here’s how you can make the most out of this affordable fire protection system.
Do a Test Run
When you first install your fire alarm, it’s always a good idea to test out the alarm and see how loud it is and how well it generally functions. Most alarms come with a testing button, but if you’re unsure of how to test it out, you can always check the instruction manual that comes with your device. Testing out the alarm before actually using it also lets you know if your device is properly configured and set up correctly.
Check the Batteries
After you’ve had your fire alarm for a few months, you should make a schedule to check the batteries once every few months. Some smoke detectors come with an ‘end-of-life chirp’. This means that they emit a light, chirp-like sound when their battery is almost out. Most of the times, this sound lets you know that it’s time to switch out. Even if your detector doesn’t have this function, simply checking yourself every couple of months should do the trick.
Are you looking for a great way to protect your home against fire damage? Contact First Alert to get the latest home smoke detectors.