Smoke Detector Placement and Safety for your Greenville, SC Home

10/23/2020 (Permalink)

Installing smoke detectors makes you feel safe from a possible fire. Stay aware of their placement and maintenance!

You’re going to need more than one and there are different types, so read this.

Installing smoke detectors makes your feel safe from a potential fire.  Staying aware of their correct placement and maintenance will ensure that no smoke goes unnoticed in your home.

Where to Place the Smoke Detector: Most fatal fires occur late in the early morning or night, while you’re sleeping.  For this reason, the National Fire Protection Association recommends placing smoke detectors in every occupied bedroom, as well as on every floor, including the basement.

In the kitchen, place the smoke detector away from the stove to prevent a false alarm.  If someone in your home is hard of hearing or deaf, consider a detector that also combines flashing lights with the alarm sound.  If you are installing your detector on a wall and not the ceiling, remember to place it 4-12” away from the ceiling.

Means of Detection:  There are three kinds of smoke detectors: ionization, photoelectric, and a combination of the two, called a dual sensor.  Ionization detectors quickly note sudden combustible fires without high flames, like a grease fire.  Photoelectric ones are better at picking up a slow-building, smoldering fire, like one resulting from a burning candle.  For the best safety, go with the dual sensor.  Since you don’t know what type of spark you may have, it is better to have both sensors to allow you the early-warning time to react and take action. 

Being vigilant every second of the day will eventually take its toll, so it is recommended that you replace old detectors every 10 years.

If you have fire damages and are feeling overwhelmed, we are here to help.  You can call us immediately to begin the restoration process at 864-292-3495!

www.statefarm.com