According to the National Fire Protection Association, smoke alarms only went off in 53% of the home fires reported in the United States between 2009 and 2013. On the other hand, 59% of home fire deaths happened in homes with no smoke alarms or with smoke alarms that weren’t working properly. If you don’t have a fire alarm at home, you definitely should—and if you do, you need to know when to replace it.
The Importance of Fire Alarms
Fire alarms are important because they save lives. Period.
The statistics show that this equipment makes a world of difference in preventing injuries and deaths. This is especially vital throughout the holidays because residential fires caused by Christmas decorations are not a rare occurrence.
An average of 200 home fires that started with a Christmas tree were registered every year between 2011 and 2015, says the National Fire Protection Association.
Don’t forget that fire is fast and deadly! It takes only a few minutes to a fire spread and become life-threatening.
Upgrading/Replacing Fire Alarms
The National Fire Protection Association recommends that you have smoke alarms installed in every level of your house. It’s essential that you also put them in every bedroom. Keep in mind that large houses may need a few extra fire alarms to cover all the areas.
While you should replace any smoke alarms that are 10 years old, you don’t have to wait a decade to test them. In fact, you should test all your fire alarms at least once a month. For most fire alarms, all you have to do is press a button and listen for the alarm sound.
Ideally, your fire alarms should be interconnected, so they all go off at once if fire or smoke is detected.
When was the last time you replaced your fire alarm? Have you tested it recently? If you need help to inspect or replace your fire alarm, JDP Electric can help you keep your house or building safe. Contact us through our website or by calling us at (701) 232-1991 to talk to our knowledgeable team!