subject: Beware of Non-Functioning Smoke Alarms [print this page] Beware of Non-Functioning Smoke Alarms Beware of Non-Functioning Smoke Alarms
Building inspections aren't just designed for people who are buying or selling homes. Having one inspection done per year can help you make sure that your home is totally safe and in good shape. Inspectors will take a look at your home's smoke alarms, ensuring that they are functioning properly. Considering how important smoke alarms are, it makes all kinds of sense to have regular inspections done on your home. You can read on below to learn more about this important topic.Check Your Smoke Alarms -Just because you have smoke alarms installed in your home, doesn't mean that they actually work. Well-designed alarms are supposed to emit signals when their batteries are failing; however, that doesn't always happen. Even if you walk by your smoke alarm every single day, you can easily overlook the fact that it's not working. An occasional building inspection can ensure that all of the smoke alarms in your home are in good working order - whether they are hardwired or not.A Simple Way to Enhance Safety -Every family should have a fire emergency plan in place. However, it's not the only thing that needs to be done when it comes to fire safety. Working alarms can mean the difference between a small conflagration and a major fire that burns your entire house down. At the first beep that is emitted, your alarm gives you a chance to have fire fighters come out to assist you. The sooner you call for such help, the better. Of course, this can all be for naught if your smoke alarms aren't working properly.Inspect Your Smoke Alarms -Whether your smoke alarms are hardwired - as they probably are if your home was built after 1997 - or if they are mounted to the ceiling, you should make a point of inspecting them from time to time. If your smoke alarms use batteries, it is critical to replace those batteries on a regular basis; doing so on a birthday or other anniversary is a good strategy. Building inspectors include these alarms during their examinations; if you have inspections done once per year, then, you can rest assured that your alarms are in good working order.Always Be Prepared -At the end of the day, a smoke alarm is only effective if it has fresh batteries and is in good working order. A non-working alarm is an especially dangerous thing to have around the house, since it gives you a false sense of security. The easiest way to ensure that the smoke alarms in your house are working is by having your home inspected on a yearly basis. An inspection company will confirm that everything is on the up-and-up - and you won't have to lay awake nights worrying about your family's safety.
