Smoke alarms: saving lives

4/15/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms play a vital role in saving lives, and when properly installed and maintained can reduce the risk of fire injury by half.

In homes, smoke alarms should be in every bedroom, outside all sleeping quarters and on every level including the basement. In office and commercial environments, check your state requirements or contact your local Fire Marshall to help ensure specific building fire codes and smoke detector requirements are met.

Review the following tips regarding smoke detector installation and maintenance:

- Install smoke alarms on every level of the house, including basements

- Smoke alarms should be installed away from the kitchen to prevent false alarm. They should generally be at least 10 feet from a cooking appliance. 

- Test smoke alarms at least monthly using the test button. 

- Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year and the unit replaced every ten years. If the alarm "chirps" the battery is low and should be replaced right away. Smoke alarms with non-replaceable batteries need the entire smoke alarm unit replaced every ten years.

- Never disable or remove the battery from and alarm. 

If you need help installing, testing or changing batteries in your smoke alarms contact your local Fire Department. 

Make sure your home or business has a fire emergency plan in place. For more information on Emergency Preparedness call SERVPRO of Manistee, Ludington and Cadillac at 231-723-4872 that is always ready to help.