“One house fire is one too many. Every household needs a functioning fire alarm.” -Locksmith Plus, Inc.
The USFA reports 50 house fire fatalities in the US between the dates of January 1st, 2017 and July 11th, 2017. All 50 of these households were either without a smoke alarm altogether, or the smoke alarm was inoperable. At Locksmith Plus Inc, they make it a priority to keep as many families safe from this alarming truth as possible. The information provided here is not only to bring awareness to the truth, but also to encourage those who are reading to take the necessary steps in lowering this number.
How to protect families and homes from fatality and fire damage:
- Make sure your home has a fire alarm.
- Make sure it works properly (Test the system)
- Keep backup batteries readily available in case of power outage.
Why fire alarms are so important:
The purpose of a fire alarm is to detect a fire in its early stages, to provide an opportunity to call emergency, evacuate the home, and prevent fire damage.
How to test a fire alarm:
The lifespan (so to say) of a fire alarm, is typically about 10 years. If you are unsure how long the alarm has been in your home, it may be safest to simply replace it. Some will argue that the testing button is functional, giving off an annoying squeal when pressed. This noise it only letting you know that the batteries inside of your alarm have power. This way of testing a fire alarm doesn’t guarantee that the hardware of the alarm is functioning properly. The most effective way to test a fire alarm is to release smoke into the air surrounding the alarm. If an alarm in your home has not been tested in this way, you can call a locksmith and they will bring a can of smoke to your home, check the hardware, and ensure that the alarm is installed correctly. They will also let you know if the fire alarm needs replacing. You can also order a can of smoke online, or at home improvement store near you. They usually cost only a few dollars.
The do’s and don’ts of fire alarm safety:
- Do not EVER paint over a smoke alarm.
- Have a professional do the installing (As a property manager, this is highly suggested to reduce chances of liability)
- Replace the hardware every 8 to 10 years.
- Clean, test, and examine your system at least one time a year. Call Locksmith Plus Inc to make an appointment. LPI Locksmiths are trained, certified and ready to assist you in securing your home from the consequence of house fires.
“Don’t be a victim of a preventable problem. Always have a functioning fire alarm, and stay educated about security.” -Locksmith Plus, Inc.
And if you ever find yourself in Need of an Portland Locksmith, give us a call.
