Foremost Insurance Group | Foremost Insurance Supports Smoke Detector Safety

Grand Rapids, MI – Fire happens unexpectedly, and many times in the middle of the night. In fact, more than half of all fatal home fires occur while people sleep. Correctly installing smoke detectors and checking them regularly will help warn your family when a fire does occur, giving you time to safely escape.

Choosing a Smoke Detector

When choosing a smoke detector, there are two basic types: ionization and photoelectric. Ionization alarms sound more quickly when a fast-moving fire with flames occurs. Photoelectric alarms can sense smoldering, smoky fires faster. There are also smoke alarms that combine both types into one unit, called dual sensor smoke alarms. Foremost recommends that you:

Install both ionization and photoelectric alarms or dual sensor alarms.
Look for special alarms that use strobe lights or vibrations for people with hearing disabilities.
Choose a smoke detector that’s been approved by an independent laboratory.
Contact your local fire department for suggestions.

Installing a Smoke Detector

You can install battery-powered detectors yourself with little more than a screwdriver. Some brands are self-adhesive and will stick to the wall or ceiling. Hard-wired alarms will require an electrician.

Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Install at least one smoke detector on every level of your home. For extra safety, install one inside and outside of every bedroom.
Place them on the ceiling or 6-12 inches from the ceiling since smoke rises.
Have a qualified electrician install all alarms connected to your home’s electrical system (hard-wired alarms).
Make sure there is a battery back-up for alarms powered by electricity in case of power outages.

Checking Alarms Regularly

Now that your smoke detectors are installed, it’s important to keep them working properly. It only takes a little bit of maintenance to help keep your family safe.

Replace batteries at least once per year.
Replace the whole smoke detector unit every 8-10 years.
Test smoke detectors monthly.
Test alarms while your children sleep to make sure the sound is loud enough to wake them up.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to clean your smoke detectors, since dust or grease may stop them from working properly.
Never disconnect the batteries. If the alarm is chirping, replace the batteries immediately. If the alarm goes off due to cooking, clear the air around it by waving a towel near the alarm.

For more ways to prevent a fire or keep your family safe, visit the Foremost Insurance interactive fire safety page at www.Foremost.com/safety/home-safety/interactive-fire-safety.

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