Thursday, March 13, 2008

Smoke Detectors Save Lives


When we did a property inspection at my townhouse listing, the smoke detectors weren't working. Unfortunately, it's all too common for someone to "temporarily" borrow the battery to use in a toy or other gadget and forget to replace it.
Most fatal fires occur at night, and every home needs working smoke detectors to provide an early warning.
Some pointers from the Ca Fire site:
Install smoke detectors in all sleeping rooms,
hallways that lead to sleeping areas, basements, and each additional level of your home. Call your local fire department if you are unsure about placement.
Smoke detectors should be mounted on the ceiling 4” from the wall; wall mounts should be 4-12” from the ceiling. Do not install near draft areas such as, windows and vents.
To keep your smoke detector working, change the batteries every six months and vacuum at least once a year. Dust and cobwebs can impair sensitivity.
Test Your Smoke Detector! Most detectors have test buttons.
Remember, almost everyday a smoke detector saves somebody’s life…it’s up to you to protect yourself and your family.

www.fire.ca.gov

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