Smoke Detectors: 10 Signs to Invest

Are you living on the edge when it comes to fire safety in your home? You need more than a keen eye and a sharp nose to act quickly and avoid Three Stooges re-enactment in the event of a fire in your home. With the help of smoke detectors, you can avoid any unnecessary antics, reduce fire risks, and increase your response time.

Do you need to invest in smoke detectors? Look for these 10 signs:

1. Your home predates electricity. Okay, we know your home isn't that old, but seriously, older homes are more prone to electrical issues and being far from today's stringent code requirements, which are updated every three years. If you live in an older home, smoke detectors are essential for fire safety.
2. You're still using the original appliances that were installed in your home in 1962. Old appliances wear out and malfunction over time, possibly resulting in fire. Whether you are ready to upgrade to energy efficient appliances or not, invest in smoke detectors today to protect your home and its inhabitants.
3. You like to DIY. Employing DIY skills can be a great way to save money, but even the most avid DIY-ers make mistakes. Ignorance is not bliss. Whether you are wet-behind-the-ears or well-seasoned DIY-er, install smoke detectors to ensure any mistakes you make don't create more problems than you intended to fix.
4. You are in the middle of a major renovation. Stuff happens, especially in the process of a major renovation. Items can be improperly wired or installed, wires can be cut or exposed, and safety procedures overlooked that could easily result in fire.
5. You are ignorant of advances in smoke detector technology. Smoke detectors with photoelectric and ionization sensors each detect different kinds of fire. Photoelectric detectors are more sensitive to smoldering flames, while ionization alarms are more responsive to flaming fires. Install multiple smoke detectors or a combination alarm for maximum protection.
6. You can't remember the last time you changed the batteries. If you can't remember the last time the batteries on your smoke detectors were replaced - or worse - they have corroded into the receptacles, address the situation promptly. Batteries should be replaced at least once each year.
7. Your detector failed the test. Smoke alarms should be tested once per month for reliability. Even if batteries are new, when detectors don't pass the recommended monthly maintenance test, replace them. Just because they use 10-year lithium batteries doesn't mean issues can't occur.
8. Your current smoke detectors are so old they predate time...Or at least today's manufacturing standards. If your smoke detector doesn't have a date on it, it's over 10 years old and is screaming for retirement. Expired smoke detectors are not reliable, even if they appear to still work. Replace expired smoke detectors promptly. Expiration dates may be located inside the alarm next to the battery or stamped on the back of the alarm.
9. Your smoke detector is chirping incessantly.  If you've changed the batteries on your detector and you are considering an all-purpose tool such as a hammer to silence it, chances are it is either malfunctioning or old enough to warrant replacement. According to FEMA's U.S. Fire Administration, replacement is recommended every 8-10 years.
10. You don't own one. Every year more than 3,400 Americans die in fires and over 17,000 are injured, most of which occur in the home. Investing in a smoke detector for your home is a fire safety no-brainer, and an inexpensive investment in peace of mind and safety.

Don't be a stooge. Stay on top of fire safety for the protection of your family and home. Contact Mr. Electric® today for the rapid installation of working smoke detectors on every level of your home.