Get alarmed to protect your home
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FIRST ALERT
Consider this dangerous, but common scenario—a homeowner deactivates a sounding smoke or carbon monoxide (CO) alarm and leaves the device disabled, opening up the entire household to a high-risk potential for future undetected hazards.
According to the Canadian National Fire Information Database, 80 per cent of fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms, often due to missing alarm batteries or expired alarms. Fortunately, a new generation of home safety technology, combined with tried-and-true safety practices, can help keep homes and families safe from the threats of smoke, fire and CO.
“It is important to be proactive when anticipating potential household emergencies,” said Ashley Gocken, home safety expert at First Alert, the most trusted brand in fire safety. “Fortunately, there are several easy ways to help address these issues using basic fire safety practices and leveraging the latest in smoke alarm technology.”
Cover your bases.
For maximum protection, you must not only have smoke and CO alarms in your house, but you also need to make sure you have enough devices. Install alarms on every level and near every bedroom – and don’t forget the basement.
Go for a 10.
One of the greatest advancements in alarm technology in recent years has been the development of 10-year sealed battery alarms. Ten-year alarms provide convenient protection, so you no longer need to remember to replace batteries for a decade. They also eliminate the risk of having an alarm deactivated due to battery removal.
Be safe, replace.
If you don’t know when you installed your alarms, chances are, it’s time to replace them. Smoke alarms don’t last forever and need to be replaced every 10 years. Installing new ones ensures you are protected with the most advanced sensing technologies and the latest safety features.
“Maintaining your alarms is essential for fire safety,” added Gocken. “Test your alarms regularly and replace batteries at least every six months. If you install 10-year alarms, remember that these devices still need to be tested regularly.”
Create your plan.
Lastly, you should make sure that you and your family know what to do in the event that your alarms do sound. Make a fire escape plan that designates two ways out of each room, including through windows and doors. Once you have a plan in place, be sure to practice it at least twice a year with your entire family.
For more information about ways that you can keep your family safer from fire and CO hazards, visit firstalert.ca
