Discover potential trouble areas during Fire Prevention Week

According to numbers from the U.S. Fire Administration, fires kill thousands of people in the U.S. each year.[1] The week of October 5-11, 2014 is designated as Fire Prevention Week, a time to raise awareness about fire risks and ways to stay safe. Electricians with Mister Sparky® offer these suggestions to consider: 

1. Know the difference between an ionization smoke alarm and a photoelectric alarm.

According to the National Fire Protection Association an ionization alarm is generally more responsive to flaming fires and a photoelectric smoke alarm is generally more responsive to smoldering fires. For the best protection a combination ionization and photoelectric alarm is recommended.

2. Expiration dates for alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

You know to test the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors but it may be time to change the alarm too. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends replacing alarms every 10 years or per the manufacturer’s instructions.[2] Now is a good time to check the manufacture date. 

3. Call a professional for help.

There are many D-I-Y projects you can do to save money, but when it comes to working with electricity, we recommend hiring a trusted professional. Mister Sparky offers home safety inspections.

Mister Sparky electric offers complete residential electrical services, from smoke alarm installations to whole house rewiring to electrical upgrades. For more information contact your local Mister Sparky.

[1] FEMA Home Fires Information
[2] http://www.cpsc.gov/PageFiles/118947/557.pdf