What To Know About Smoke Alarms
Updated November 4, 2018 . AmFam Team
If you have smoke detectors in your home, you already know how important they are for keeping you and your family safe from the unexpected. But having them is only half the battle — to make sure your family stays safe when an unexpected fire happens, you have to understand how your smoke alarms work, check them regularly and make sure they’re in the right places.
Check out our tips for keeping your smoke detectors in working order and your family safe.
Put Your Smoke Alarms in the Right Locations
Having multiple smoke detectors in your home is a must. But more importantly, they have to be strategically placed in order to do their job. The U.S. Fire Administration recommends installing smoke detectors in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home, including the basement. Here’s a closer look at where you should put your smoke alarms
There should be a smoke detector in every bedroom and outside every sleeping area
If a fire were to start in your home, the smoke detectors in and outside your bedrooms are sure to give you a loud wake-up call to help you get to safety.
Every level of your home — including your basement should have a smoke alarm
In the right conditions, a fire could develop and gain strength on one level of your home without spilling smoke into others. That’s why every single level of your home should have a smoke detector to alert you of any danger
Put a smoke alarm in every stairway
When smoke begins to travel from one level to the next, make sure it will have to pass a working smoke detector. Consider buying a smoke detector with a light for your stairs, as it can be tough to walk through when it’s dark and filled with smoke.
Every home should have a fire alarm in or near the kitchen
While no one likes to hear their smoke detector go off when they’ve barely burnt their dinner, it’s a great reminder that it’s in working condition. Given the number of appliances that could potentially lead to fires in your kitchen, having a smoke detector nearby is a no-brainer.
Test Your Smoke Detectors
What good are your smoke detectors if their batteries are dead or they don’t work anymore? Testing them regularly is crucial to keeping your family safe from unexpected fires. Here’s how you can make sure all your detectors are working correctly:
Check your smoke detectors consistently
To make it easy to remember, consider pairing it with other tasks you do regularly, like paying your utility bill, deep-cleaning your home or changing your furnace filter.
Press the button
All smoke detectors have test buttons. Press the button and see if the alarm goes off. Some detectors may require a single push to test, while others will need to be held for a few seconds. Refer to your detector’s manual or find testing details online. If your detector’s alarm is too quiet or doesn’t sound at all, replace it as soon as possible.
Look for the power light
Your smoke detector should have some sort of light that indicates that it’s powered up and working. If you don’t see the light, change the smoke alarm’s batteries. If your smoke detector is hardwired, look to see if its wires are connected appropriately. If the wires are disconnected or frayed, call a professional.
Clean your smoke alarm
Whenever you test your smoke detector, wipe it off, too. Dust can collect on the inside and outside of the detector, causing false alarms or preventing it from working entirely.
Replace Your Smoke Detector Every 10 Years
The older your smoke detector is, the more likely it is to malfunction. Replace your smoke alarm at any sign of malfunction and after it turns ten. Here’s why
For safety’s sake
Newer smoke detectors have more advanced safety features. Some smart smoke detectors double as carbon monoxide detectors, connect to you Wi-Fi to alert you of a low battery or even turn on your lights in the event of an alarm.
Speaking of smart smoke detectors, you could qualify for a discount on your homeowners insurance when you equip your home with smart appliances or accessories. Ask your American Family Insurance agent if you’re eligible for these extra savings.
Local laws might require it, too
Local and state laws may vary regarding the type and location of smoke alarms to install in homes, rental properties and businesses. Even if you’ve already got smoke detectors, make sure you’re following the letter of the law by looking online or contacting your local fire department for details.
Keeping your family safe in the event of the unexpected is your number one priority — and it’s your American Family agent’s (Opens in a new tab), too. Get in touch with them today to make sure your policy gives you the peace of mind you deserve.
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Your home is more than a roof over your head. It’s where your dreams grow, your family thrives and memories are made. But the possessions you keep inside are important, too.
Whether you’re renting an apartment or own your home, you’ve most likely got an insurance policy designed to protect your dwelling and the things inside. Should the unthinkable happen and you have to use that insurance policy, it’s important to have a plan in place. And a home inventory list is a great way to get started!
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What Is a Home Inventory?
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When your describing the items in your list, remember that the more information, the better. Here’s a quick reference list of the type of information you should include in your home inventory list:
- An in-depth description of the items. For example, rather than writing down “diamond ring,” be more descriptive, such as: “an emerald cut diamond ring, with white gold shank, accent stones and initials inscribed below the bridge.”
- Make, model, and/or serial number of the items.
- Date of purchase, receipts and photos.
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- Appraisals at time of purchase. Especially if your items were appraised for insurance purposes.
Why Do I Need a Home Inventory?
Whether you’re a homeowner or a renter, everyone can benefit from a home inventory!
If you ever have to make a claim, a home inventory is a great asset to have, especially after stressful events like theft, storm damage or a fire (take a look at how one renter used their home inventory after facing an apartment fire).
When you make a claim, you typically submit information on everything that was lost — which can be difficult to do off the top of your head for all your possessions. Remembering to replace your TV or computer are no-brainers, but when it comes to remembering each piece of jewelry in your jewelry box, things tend to get overlooked. Having a personal property inventory will help, along with knowing how to properly insure your jewelry.
When you have your home inventory checklist, you know exactly what needs to be replaced, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing your entire household is protected.
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You’re admiring the rain from the comfort of your home when you notice a sound — the unmistakable drip of water dropping onto your floor. The first and hardest step is figuring out why your roof is leaking. And with these tips, you’ll find the culprit in no time!
Here’s Why Your Roof Is Leaking
The list of reasons why your roof is leaking may seem long, but don’t worry — when it comes to finding the leak and fixing it, the finding is the hardest part. And the good thing about these problems? They can all be fixed. Check out the list and see what’s troubling your roof:
Your roof is old
Roofs don’t last forever. Protecting your home and everything inside it from the elements comes with a cost. And with all that rain, snow, ice, wind and even sunlight wearing down your roof, it becomes more susceptible to leaks. Every roof will eventually need to be replaced, so learn more about how long your roof should last based on what it’s made of.
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There’s no good time to find out your roof needs repair — but you may be able to mitigate that pain by routinely checking your roof for damage after severe weather. Waiting for a leak or damage to present itself gives the problem time to grow and worsen.
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