When was the last time you thought about your smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide detectors? Unfortunately, most of us really do not think about these life-saving devices much at all, and that is a huge problem. Very often, fire alarm systems are installed and then forgotten, while residents mistakenly believe they are in working order.
We’d like to encourage our New Orleans community to make fire alarm systems a priority in 2023. Properly installed, maintained, and monitored fire alarm systems save lives. According to the US National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), almost three in five home fire deaths happened in homes without a working smoke alarm. 40% were in homes with no smoke alarms at all, while a further 17% were in houses where the smoke alarms weren’t working.
Important Facts
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms save lives.
- Smoke can engulf a home in less than 10 minutes.
- A fire doubles in size every minute.
- A fire kills someone in the US every 97 minutes.
- The death rate in homes with fire and smoke detectors is 55% lower than in those without.
- Three of every five home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms (38%) or no working smoke alarms (21%).
- No smoke alarms were present in almost two out of every five (38%) home fire deaths.
- In fires in which the smoke alarms were present but did not operate, almost half (46%) of the smoke alarms had missing or disconnected batteries.
- Dead batteries caused one-quarter (24%) of the smoke alarm failures.
- In the presence of a fire, more people die from smoke inhalation than fire exposure.
- Sleeping occupants can die from smoke inhalation before even becoming aware of flame or danger.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning can be confused with having the flu and cause incapacitation and even death in a very short time, depending on of levels of exposure.
National Fire Protection Association Recommendations
- A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home.
- Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound.
- Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
- Test your smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
- When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside.
- Replace all smoke alarms in your home every 5 years.
Important Reasons to Have Your Fire Alarm Systems Monitored
In many homes, retail standalone smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are the standard. Unfortunately, these standalone devices provide very minimal protection, and, according to national statistics, when they are present, nearly half of them are not in working order.
Monitored Fire and CO alarms elevate fire, smoke, and CO protection by having the systems connected to a Central Monitoring Station. Rather than just sound in an emergency (when working), a Central Monitoring Station is immediately alerted to any problems and initiates the appropriate resolution.
Here’s how professional alarm monitoring makes a difference:
- There is an immediate response to critical needs.
- Problems such as faulty alarms are made known before they become dangerous.
- Provides a response when occupants are unable to respond themselves.
Take fire, and your fire alarm systems seriously. Make sure you and your family are protected properly! For more information, call us today!
About ABC Fire & Burglar Alarm- Home Security Systems New Orleans
As a local New Orleans company with over 20 years of experience, ABC Fire and Burglar Alarm is dedicated to protecting families and businesses in our community. We proudly service the New Orleans metropolitan area, including New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner, Destrehan, Luling, Houma, Gretna, Belle Chasse, Chalmette, Slidell, Covington, Hammond, Laplace, and surrounding areas. Contact ABC Fire & Burglar Alarm at 504-889-9795
For More information, contact us today to receive a free quote.