Studies show that more than 60 percent of deadly U.S. fires occur in homes that do not have smoke alarms installed or have alarms that do not function because of missing batteries, dead batteries or some other problem that keeps them from working properly. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 40 percent of U.S. residential fire deaths result from fires in homes with no smoke alarms, while 23 percent occurred in homes without working smoke alarms.
Smoke alarms should be installed in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. The NFPA also recommends that families interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home so that if one alarm sounds, they all sound.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that is in many ways more dangerous than fire, mainly because it can’t be detected by any of your senses – only with a carbon monoxide detector. If you have a gas furnace or heating system, it is highly recommended that at least one carbon monoxide detector is installed in your home. If you want even more protection, install one near every sleeping area and one above the garage (carbon monoxide can leak out of your car’s exhaust). For best results, make sure your carbon monoxide detectors are at least 15 feet away from any fuel burning appliances – this will reduce the risk of false alarms.
Combination smoke/carbon monoxide detector-alarms, as well as separate units, can be installed and linked by Top Choice Electric.
