Home Ownership Smoke Alarm Safety
Whether you’ve been settled for a while, have just purchased a new home, or intend soon to be buying a home, you and your family’s safety is critical. An estimated 97% of American homes have at least one smoke alarm, but just one isn’t usually enough. The most reliable type of smoke alarm you can obtain is hard-wired into your home’s electrical wiring system and has a battery back-up. To protect yourself, follow these guidelines for smoke alarms:
1) Only buy smoke alarms with the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) seal on the package.
2) Place a smoke alarm on each level of your home, including basements and attics AND in place one in each bedroom.
3) Mount smoke alarms high on the walls or ceilings since smoke will rise. Ceiling mounted alarms should be at least 4 inches away from the wall, and wall mounted alarms whould be 4 to 12 inchdes away from the ceiling.
4) Avoid placing alarms near windows, doors, ducts or areas where drafts might interfere with their proper operation.
5) Test your smoke alarms at least once every month, install fresh batteries at least once a year, and replace each alarm at least once every ten years.
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