Home Fire Alarms: Fall's the Season to Check Your Equipment
by Wendy Croix
Home Improvement Ideas Columnist
Fallen leaves burn with that unmistakable scent of autumn. Candles glow at your windows. The wood's stacked by your fireplace, ready to scare the chill from fall's first cold snap. With all these fires burning inside and outside your home, you're wise to examine your home fire protection equipment.
Home Smoke Alarms
Your smoke alarm is the simplest piece of fire protection equipment you need for your home. Keep your smoke alarm in good repair by testing the battery and changing it, if necessary, and you won't be one of the 4,000 Americans who die each year in fires. If your smoke alarm is more than ten years old, the U.S. Fire Administration suggests that you replace it. Consider having at least one smoke alarm for each floor of your home, since a smoke alarm alone doubles your chances of surviving a home fire.
Home Fire Safety Sprinklers
Home sprinklers used in conjunction with smoke alarms greatly increase your chances of surviving a fire, according to F.E.M.A. Home sprinkler equipment runs about 1% of the cost of your home itself, a sum comparable to what most people pay for their carpet. You'll recoup your investment, since home sprinkler systems both increase your property value and lower your insurance rates.
Your Home Fire Safety Plan
This crucial form of home fire safety is free. Sit down with your family, sip that fall cider, and make a home fire evacuation plan. You'll need to incorporate the special needs of children or elderly family members into your plan (F.Y.I., children set 20,000 fires a year!). Once you have a plan, practice it--and remember to stay low to avoid the smoke. The U.S. Fire Administration encourages you to have several plans to escape from every room in your home.
With new batteries in your smoke alarm, a new sprinkler system, and a fire escape plan in place, you can enjoy fall's fire in peace.
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About the Author
Wendy Croix, Ph.D. is a freelance writer, cultural critic and university professor. In her twenty years as a professional educator, Wendy has guided hundreds of students toward the careers of their dreams.
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