When it comes to home maintenance, it’s crucial to prioritize the things that will keep your family safe. Although painting, decorating, and changing your lighting is a great way to make your space more comfortable, smoke detector installation should be prioritized at the top of your list. You’ve invested a lot of time and money into your home, so you should do everything possible to protect it!
An average of 358,500 homes In America experience a structural fire each year. The damage to your property, health, and family can be devastating beyond belief. Understanding fire prevention and safety measures is essential, but sometimes despite our best efforts, fires can still occur.
Smoke detector installation is not a task that should be left in the hands of an amateur. It is an investment that could save not only your home, but your life.
Common Causes of House Fires
An accidental fire can ignite in your home and quickly spread. But here’s the good news: Most house fires are easily preventable. Here are some of the most common reasons for house fires in the United States and how to prevent them from occurring:
1. Old or Faulty Wiring
Older homes have charm, history, and character — but they may also have outdated wiring, outlets, or fixtures. If you own an older home, dated wiring may be faulty and can pose a fire risk. Most of these threats are behind walls and within older outlets. But working with a top professional electrician can help determine any potential problems and fix issues before they cause damage to your home.
2. Cooking-Related Fires
Grease fires that start on a stove or in an oven are among the most common types of house fires. You should never leave your kitchen unattended when cooking on the stovetop, especially with oil or foods that tend to be extra greasy. Once grease catches fire, it can seem nearly impossible to put out. And you can prevent these disasters by deep cleaning your cooking appliances to prevent oil and grease from accumulating over time.
3. Candles
Candles can produce a lovely aroma throughout your home, or create a calming atmosphere in the room. However, open flame, matches and lighters present a safety concern. Take care to light candles only in the room where you are, not the entire home. Opt for battery-powered flameless candles and scent spray or oil diffusers as an alternative.
4. Heating Equipment
Heating appliances, like space heaters, can cause a fire when they come in contact with flammable materials. Electrical heaters with faulty wiring can also set fire to nearby items when the coils become overheated. Never leave a room with a space heater on, and always be sure to unplug all heating equipment once you’re finished using them. And don’t forget exterior heating equipment, like a space heater in a screened-in porch or similar area.
5. Flammable Liquids
Flammable liquids, such as cleaning products, paint thinners, and adhesives, can catch fire or even explode if not stored properly. Never store flammables near any heating source. Take care to store any flammable liquids safely.
Smoke Detector Installation: Where and How Many?
The size and layout of your home will determine the number of smoke detectors needed and where they should be placed. Installing the proper number of smoke alarms will ensure that everyone, regardless of the part of the house, will promptly be alerted of any danger.
As a general rule of thumb, each bedroom (including bedrooms in the basement), hallways, family rooms, stairways, and the kitchen should contain at least one smoke detector. Smoke detectors should be placed within 10 feet of any cooking appliances.
While traditional smoke detectors will work well for most people, you may need to consider alternative smoke detectors for those with hearing loss or other sensory concerns. For example, people with hearing loss can stay safe with strobe light options.
If you’re not sure how many smoke detectors you need on your property or where they should be placed, consult with the Jason Wright team. Our experts understand local and state regulations regarding smoke detector installation.
Hire a Professional for Your Smoke Detector Installation
When it comes to proper smoke detector installation, you want peace of mind. You won’t want to wonder whether or not each detector has been placed correctly in your home. Our Jason Wright electricians have been trained and equipped to safely and efficiently install your alarms.
Smoke detector installation may seem like a pretty straightforward process, but there are a lot of specifics to take into consideration. Various smoke detectors have advanced features that can easily cause trouble if installed incorrectly. Regardless of which version you decide to go with, it’s best to contact a qualified electrician who can take care of the installation for you.
At Jason Wright Electric, we deliver exceptional, personalized service in the Kansas City metro area. With our mission at the core of everything we do, we’ve created a company that is proud of our roll-your-sleeves-up approach to electrical work with personalized care.
As your Electrical Concierge, we’re here to help protect your family and your home. Contact us today for more information on smoke detector installation.