Fire Alarms 101

6/16/2022 (Permalink)

Fire Alarms

The best strategy to ensure that everyone safely evacuates your Kansas City, MO, home during a fire is to have a smoke alarm. Knowing that a fire damage restoration company has the know-how to restore the property, fire safety should always be the top priority. To maximize this essential tool, it’s important to understand the types available and their proper placement.

Smoke Detector Options
There are three common types of alarms available, including:

• Ionization: Designed to detect flames, it has two electronically charged plates with a harmless radioactive material between them that ensures an ionic current is maintained. The alarm goes off when this current is interrupted by smoke.
• Photoelectric: Ideal for smoldering fires, this type has a beam of light that is pointed away from a light sensor. As smoke enters a chamber, the light is reflected toward the sensors to trigger the alarm.
• Combination: This is a combination of the above two types. While still beneficial, they may not be as sensitive as installing a specific type.

Many studies suggest that having each type of smoke alarm in the home is the best way to maximize protection.

Where and How Many To Install?
Ideally, an alarm should be installed on every level of the home. It is especially important to have on inside all bedrooms and in hallways outside of the sleeping areas. The kitchen is another essential location. Ensure that it is installed a minimum of 10 feet away from appliances to minimize the chances of a false alarm. Other areas to consider installing a fire alarm include the basement, attic, and garage.

A smoke alarm is a proven tool that quickly alerts everyone in the home of a fire. Knowing the different types and key areas to install them are key ways to get the most out of your alarms.