Installing a smoke alarm is another simple and cheaper way when it comes to protecting your family and home. Nowadays, there are many types of smoke detectors with each one with its own specifications. When it comes to the home security item, cost shouldn’t be the problem. Smoke alarms help to save people’s lives as they will have more time to get out from a building on fire. It is important for you to find the alarms that suit your lifestyle and give you the best service. The alarm that you choose should have a sensor for both flaming and smoldering fires. This will need two different alarms or a dual sensor on one unit. Here are the steps on how to choose the right alarm smoke.
You will need:
- Batteries.
- Screwdriver.
- Tape measure.
- Electrician’s number.
Smoke Alarm
Steps:
- First, determine how many units of smoke alarm fire that you will need. One smoke alarm will be enough if the bedroom is connected in a single hallway in a smaller home, you will only install the smoke alarm in the hall. Two story homes should have at least one alarm install on the first floor and one on the second. You could also add more alarms if needed.
- Most of the manufacturers will list the effectiveness distance on the product, so measure your distance and square footage to sleeping spaces to make sure that you get enough units before choosing an alarm.
- Take notice for any special needs as there are alarms available for hearing-impaired and also with a voice alarm. The voices will wake sleeping children and can be recorded with parent’s voices about instruction on what to do.
- Determine whether you want to use hard-wiring units or battery power units. You will have to change the batteries once a year for battery units to work fine and the hard-wiring can connect all the units to a central electrical source so you don’t have to remember to maintain them. You will need the help of electrician for the hard-wiring process.
- Find a smoke alarm that has both ionization sensors that “smell” smoke and photoelectric that sensors “smoke”. This type of alarm is a good protection against both flaming and smoldering fires. The price is higher, but it is better to have a better alarm for a few dollars more for the sake of your family.
- Be sure that the sensor you purchase has the Underwriters Laboratory recommendation and a test button. The unit should have a button to turn off false alarms so you will be tempted to disable the alarm. This will help during the scenario of “smoking oven”.
- After you have chosen the right ones for you, install your units. Most of alarms need to be screwed into the ceiling. The hard-wiring method will need to be installed by a professional or an electrician. Keep the sensors dusted and the covers vacuumed so the alarms could work properly and efficiently.
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Additional Reading:
Take Care of Yourself, 9th Edition: The Complete Illustrated Guide to Medical Self-Care
Staying Safe: The Complete Guide to Protecting Yourself, Your Family, and Your Business
