Since 1922, Fire Prevention Week has been observed to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The fire claimed the lives of over 250 people, destroying more than 17,400 structures and leaving over 100,000 people homeless. On the 40th anniversary of the fire, Fire Marshals Association of North America (now known as the International Fire Marshals Association) decided the observance of this terrible event should serve as an opportunity to help educate the public about fire prevention.
Every year, Fire Prevention Week has a specific theme and focus and 2015 is no different. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is highlighting the importance of installing smoke detectors in every bedroom so everyone in your home can Hear the Beep Where You Sleep.
Were you aware that, according to the NFPA, half of home fire deaths were the result of fires reported between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. and 25% of home fire deaths were due to fires that started in the bedroom? The statistics are staggering but illustrate just how essential it is to make sure your smoke alarms are setup properly to alert you and your loved ones of any potential fires during the night while you sleep.
You should install smoke alarms in every single bedroom, outside of each sleeping area and on every level of your home – including the basement. You should mount your smoke alarms high on the walls or ceilings of the bedroom. If the room has vaulted or pitched ceilings, place the alarm within three feet of the apex (and no closer than 4 inches). Don’t install the alarms near windows, doors, or ducts or anywhere winds and drafts could interfere with the alarm’s ability to detect heat or smoke.
There are several different types and technologies available for residential use. At Guardian Protection services, we offer carbon monixoide detectors, heat detectors and photoelectric smoke detectors as part of our monitored detection system. All types are linked to our 24-hour monitoring center.
Traditional smoke and heat detectors can alert you and other members of your household to abnormal levels of heat and/or smoke, but only a monitored system can send an emergency signal to a monitoring center who can direct authorities to your home – and your pets – when you aren’t there.
We’ll be talking more about residential fire detection technology later in the week. In the meantime, if you’d like to learn more about our equipment, please call to speak with a representative to determine what components you will need to enjoy peace of mind.
You can learn more about the different types of sensors and technologies available by visiting our friends at AlarmSystemReviews.com.
Test the batteries in your smoke alarms on a monthly basis. With Guardian’s supervised communicators, your home security system will send you an alert to remind you. You should replace your alarms every 10 years. If you aren’t sure how old the alarms are in your home, it’s time to replace them.
Adding monitored smoke and heat detection to your Guardian security system will allow you and your family to rest easy knowing you’ll hear the beep while you sleep, and our monitoring center will be ready to notify emergency personnel 24 hours a day upon receipt of your system’s emergency signal.