There are many uncertainties in life; nothing is guaranteed and like people will always say, no one knows tomorrow. People have been known to lose entire earnings, assets and even loved ones in a day just because, out of the blues, a misadventure occurs without warning and all is lost.
One major accident that can occur at homes at any time without warning or signs are fire outbreaks and these can be very devastating in its effects. However, beyond getting a fire insurance to protect you from losses in case of such an occurrence, it is better to take some preventive measures to prevent such an occurrence in the first place.
What Is a Smoke Alarm?
This is a device that is able to detect smoke and smoke signs. It is also called a smoke detector and its basic essence is that through its smoke detecting ability, fire outbreaks can be prevented or nipped on time. Well, talk about there being no smoke without fire. You can read more on this here.
In homes, there usually is an alarm system connected to these devices that will make quite audible warning sounds while in public or commercial buildings, they are connected to the fire alarm system. Generally, there are two different detecting methods that these devices might use which are; either optical detections also called the photoelectric method or the physical process also known as ionization.
Note that these two different types devices all function very effectively and it is only a matter of choice for the buyer. However, there are some detectors that use both methods
Note that ideally, you should have this device installed at every level of your house. The idea is to have it at every location in your house including the bedrooms, bathroom and the toilet so that in the case of an emergency, the smoke will be detected speedily.
Why You Need a Smoke Alarm System In Your Home
It Is Affordable
Most devices of this magnitude and importance are usually quite pricy and come at quite a cost. But this is not so with the smoke detector, as it is quite affordable (not necessarily cheap). Again, when you compare the benefits it offers and its price, you will definitely conclude that it is affordable.
Early Detection
The earlier the fire outbreak is detected, the earlier an adequate response can be given to it. It can also be the difference between surviving an incident or being a victim. You wouldn’t want to be in a position where most of your belongings get burnt before a response team gets to you. This device ensures early detection and of course, a faster response to the emergency.
Avoid Smoke Inhalation
During fire outbreaks, one thing that has continuously claimed victims is smoke inhalation. During fire outbreaks, many people who could have still escaped the fire outbreak usually fall victims because of the smoke they had inhaled. It is also a killer in its own right but with early detection, it can be efficiently handled.
24/7 Monitoring
A home with an alarm system is a secure home. This is because, as a home owner, you cannot monitor all that is happening in your house at once and again, you will have to sleep at some point. However, with this device, there is a 24/7 monitoring of all happenings in your house whether you are inside or outside the house and even when you are asleep, you are still safe.
Insurance Discounts
There are various ways through which you can pass the message that you are a responsible home owner. Having this device is part of the ways to do this as it shows that you are doing your utmost to keep your house safe and secure and it will surely earn you some insurance discounts. You can find out more on why it is important to have a smoke alarm in your home as you go about trying to get one.
Maintaining Your Smoke Alarm
It is one thing to have a device or gadget and another thing to properly maintain it. it is very important that one maintains the smoke detector devices in the home as this determines how well and how long this device will serve you. It will be a very sad scenario to suffer a preventable damage or loss all because of a smoke alarm that failed to function appropriately. The following are some maintenance tips to follow:
Test Them
It is recommended that the detectors be tested once every month. This is to ensure that the batteries are functioning and are in good shape. To do this, press the test button and hold it till you hear a beep. That is your confirmation that it is in good shape.
Change The Batteries
This device runs on batteries and, as it is the case with anything that runs on batteries, the batteries have to be changed. The battery is located at the battery compartment, locate it, open and change the battery. This is to be done once a year.
Clean The Alarm
It is also important that these devices be cleaned up as failure to do this can affect the efficiency of the alarm. This can lead to a situation where its sensors are no longer picking up smoke signals effectively or a situation where the alarms are false alarms. This should be done every six months.
Get a New One
Ultimately, you would have to change the smoke alarm system in your home at some point. Firstly, if it is examined and it turns out that it is no longer functioning well due to any reason, you can simply go get a new one. However, smoke detectors expire after ten years therefore, if your device is up to ten years then it is time to change it. Do not assume that it is still functioning effectively and keep it as a result; no! go and change it.
Conclusion
It is said that home is where the heart is. Part of the reason why this is said is because, for many people, the real treasures of their lives is at home. For this reason, it is part of the human nature to want what is best for the home, for where our heart is.
But then, nothing is really given and this is why every precaution should be taken to ensure that what we have is well protected. Fire outbreaks are one of those things that can totally devastate someone’s property down to the last. This is why it is important that you get a smoke alarm in your home.