Numerous people lose their lives each year to house fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Most of these deaths could have been prevented with the installation of Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors. Call today to have these items installed or to have existing ones inspected, as no person should lose their life in an easily avoidable tragedy.
The Importance of Smoke Detectors
Many areas mandate smoke detectors in all homes, as the devices alert a home’s occupants to fire quickly. According to the National Fire Protection Agency, homeowners need to replace their smoke detectors every five years, as the components can break down while idle. However, purchasing battery-operated smoke detectors is not enough today. It is best to have these devices hardwired. The batteries should only be used as a backup in a power outage.
The placement of the smoke detectors is also important. A licensed electrician will work with the homeowner to determine where these devices are needed to alert occupants when a fire breaks out. The electrician can also help those who need specialty devices, such as individuals who are deaf and won’t hear the alarm if a fire breaks out.
Many people today opt for both photoelectric and ionization smoke detectors. Photoelectric devices detect smoldering fires while ionization devices pick up on fires that are flaming. The electrician will help the homeowner decide if both are needed and where they should be located in the home to offer the highest level of protection.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Carbon monoxide poisoning remains one of the most common causes of death by poisoning in America today. An entire family may be lost in a matter of minutes or hours due to a carbon monoxide leak. As the gas is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, a person won’t know they are being exposed until it is too late. Fortunately, the installation of carbon monoxide detectors can prevent these deaths.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning vary by individual. Some people feel dizzy or lightheaded. Other individuals report they feel nauseated or begin vomiting. Chest pain and shortness of breath are commonly seen with carbon monoxide poisoning, and a person might feel confused or weak. People often say it feels like they have the flu but they don’t have a fever. Young children and elderly adults are often the first to experience the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, but it will affect every person in the household if not caught quickly.
Which Household Items Produce Carbon Monoxide?
Many household appliances produce carbon monoxide. This includes water heaters, furnaces, ranges, space heaters, charcoal grills, and any device that runs on gas. The carbon monoxide remains contained within the unit and won’t be of danger to the family unless the device malfunctions.
Wood-burning stoves may also produce carbon monoxide if the chimney or flue is clogged. Regular chimney cleanings help to prevent this from happening. The carbon monoxide detector alerts the family to the problem so they can evacuate the home and call for help to determine the source of the carbon monoxide and make the necessary repairs.
Protecting Against Residential Fires
Homeowners should have their smoke detectors inspected annually, as dust and debris can build up in the unit and interfere with normal operation. Have a fire extinguisher and smoke blanket in the home for small fires and create an emergency exit plan for the family. If the family must exit the home, remain outdoors. Do not attempt to reenter the residence. Leave this to trained firefighters.
Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide detectors are the best way to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. However, homeowners should have all gas and wood-burning devices in the home inspected yearly for potential leaks or blockages. Never use a gas appliance to heat a home or use a grill indoors. The grill must have adequate ventilation to prevent gases from building up.
Never run a generator indoors. If the generator is used during a power outage, ensure it remains outside in a well-ventilated area. An open garage door does not provide the level of ventilation needed for a generator, so using the generator in a garage, even with the door open, can lead to carbon monoxide building up in the home.
Work with an electrician to have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed in the home. In addition, have the electrician inspect and maintain these devices early. Doing so will save countless lives each year.
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