Most often required by law, fire alarms are one of the most important fixtures in the home today. They are the one safety feature that could save the lives of an entire family. The number of deaths from smoke inhalation that could be prevented each year with the proper use and maintenance of a fire alarm is astounding. The risk of losing one's home, family or personal possessions is far too great to not have an alarm installed and working properly.
The alarms use two different methods to detect fire. Ionization alarms are triggered by the production of ionized air that will trigger the internal mechanism. Ionization occurs mainly from fires that are very hot with open flames in the air. Photoelectric alarms use a small light sensor. This sensor will attempt to detect particles of debris that are floating through the air. The debris-filled air and heavy smoke are indicative of fires that are smoldering and do not have open flames.
Fire alarms can also contain a combination of sensors. These devices are able to detect both hot fires with an ionization sensor and smoldering fires with the photoelectric sensors. These types of units are called dual sensor alarms. They are the most effective technology available to consumers who are trying to protect their home from fire.
No matter what type it is, no fire alarm can be effective if it is not placed in the correct area. Heated gasses tend to rise, and since both types of sensors detect some particles floating in the air, it is important to mount the alarm high up in the room. The manufacturer's instructions will have exact details, but expect the placement to be on the roof, or very near it.
There should be one fire alarm on each of the floors of the home, including the basement and garage. In addition, place alarms in each of the bedrooms where people may be sleeping. It is also recommended to place an alarm outside the door of each of the bedrooms for maximum safety.
The purpose of a fire alarm is to alert a family to the potential threat of a burning fire. This warning will fall on deaf ears if the family does not have a concise plan in place for what to do in this situation. It is very important that there is more than one escape route planned in the event that certain areas of the home or property become inaccessible due to the fire. There should also be a common meeting place for everyone to assemble once outside. The plan should be memorized and practiced.
Simply installing a fire alarm and having an emergency plan is not enough. Fire alarms require regular maintenance. For battery operated units, this means replacing the batteries every six months. Whether they work or not, they need to be replaced. It also means keeping the unit very clean so that the sensors inside can function properly. A working fire alarm and a prepared family can dramatically increase the chances of escaping a fire unharmed.
Matthew Kerridge is an expert in home security. If you would like further information about types of fire alarms or are searching for a trusted fire alarm business please visit http://www.adt.co.uk
Tags:
alarms,
fire,
fire alarm,
fire alarms,
fire safety,
home improvement,
home security,
security
October 27 2009 | home security | No Comments »
Your home should be a place where you feel safe and protected. However, deadly fires caused by faulty wiring, lightning, overheated appliances, or other contributing factors, could turn your safe haven into a pile of wreckage. Home fires are exponentially costly, from the loss of property, irreplaceable mementos, and the potential loss of your life, or the life of a loved one. Safeguarding your home from fire is as easy as installing a fire alarm system.
Fire alarm systems come in a variety of types depending on your budget, system preferences, and specific family needs. When choosing a fire alarm system for your home, take into consideration the kind of features you would want available to you in the event of a fire. Some systems are equipped with voice evacuation panels, manual pull stations, or special medical alert components that can be linked to your fire alarm system should a medical emergency occur.
Home fire alarm systems can come packaged with a security system that provides burglary protection as well as fire protection. Full security systems offer 24-hour monitoring services that screen certain areas in your home, and will automatically alert the fire department and local police should a fire break out or a burglary occur.
The cost of fire alarm systems vary based on the size of your home, capacity of the system, local codes, etc. For 24-hour monitoring of your home, a monthly fee in addition to the cost of installation should be factored in to the overall cost. It is generally cheaper to install a fire alarm system into a home that is being built than an existing home, but there are ways to make installing a system in an existing home more affordable, such as leasing the equipment, which allows you to make payments over a period of time.
The main hub of fire alarm systems is a central control panel that is connected to various smoke alarms and heat detectors placed around the house. When one of these smoke alarms or heat detectors is triggered, loud bells and horns sound to alert your family to evacuate, while also signaling the fire department to come to their aid. Flashing lights for the hearing impaired are available for many fire alarm systems, as well as other alterations based on your family's requirements. In the event that the power goes out in your home, a backup energy source should be included in the fire alarm system.
Based on the size of your home, varying capacity of your system, and local codes for you area, the cost of installing a fire alarm system varies greatly. Installing a fire alarm system into an existing home tends to be more expensive than installing one into a home that is being built, however, there are many options for making fire alarm systems more affordable for homeowners, such as leasing the equipment, which allows you to make payments over a period of time. It is important to note that 24-hour monitoring of your home will cost you a monthly fee plus the cost of installation.
Disaster can strike no matter how precautions you are about fire safety. Rest easy knowing that your family and property is protected at all times by installing a home fire alarm system today.
Working in a home alarms manufacturing company for many years Chris Williams is seen as an expert in fire safety and home security. If you are looking for fire alarm systems please visit http://www.adt.co.uk.
Tags:
fire alarm,
fire alarm systems,
fire alarms,
fire safety,
home security,
safety
September 10 2009 | home security | No Comments »