Welcome to the third issue of our newsletter, dedicated to the Fire Prevention month of October.
62 Percent of Home Fire Deaths are a result of non-functional smoke alarms, or no smoke alarms at all.
The month of October is also known as Fire-Prevention Month. It’s particularly important for homeowners to consider due to the number of fire-related injuries and fatalities that occur every year. Smoke detectors are among the greatest inventions of the last century, and almost every home today has at least one. If that’s true, why are there so many fire-related injuries and fatalities? The reason: people don’t realize that most smoke detectors have a life expectancy of 10 years or less. Older smoke alarms cannot be trusted to alert you and your loved ones should a fire ignite.
A Real Life Story:
This happened to a client of ours in Toronto.
We met this client when they called us for help because of a fire in their 1977 fuse panel. We replaced the panel that day. The interesting thing is that with a house full of smoke, none of their smoke alarms worked, even though fresh batteries were installed just one week prior, and the test button seemed to indicate that they were working. Yes, the alarm did sound when the test button was pressed, but the alarms did not sound when the house was full of smoke! Why? Because the smoke alarms were very old (approximately 15-18 years), and the actual sensors were not functioning anymore. This couple was fortunate to escape. Each year many people are not so fortunate.
The Lesson
Working smoke alarms save lives – faulty, non-functioning smoke alarms do not!
Do not be fooled into a “false sense of security” by poorly maintained, non-functioning older smoke alarms. Have them checked, and have them replaced when needed.
A Smoke Alarm on Every Level
In Ontario, it is law that there must be a working smoke alarm on each level of a home. This regulation came into effect on March 1, 2006. It also requires that smoke alarms not be older than 10 years, and that they be replaced according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Most smoke alarms now have the required replacement date readily visible on the outside of the unit. Some are only rated for 7 years. They should also be vacuumed regularly.
Call Captain Electric Today and Have Your Smoke Alarms Replaced:
Captain Electric will install (3) new 120 volt smoke alarms with battery back-up (to replace your existing 120 volt alarms), for $488. You will also receive (1) 120 volt carbon monoxide alarm as our free gift.
For older homes, there is a wireless option available ($588). Please call for details.
While our electrician is installing your new smoke alarms, please inquire about our complimentary 12-point home electrical-safety inspection! (examining such items as your electrical panel, meter base, service conduit, receptacles, test all GFI’s, AFCI’s, check grounding and bonding, polarity test, thermal scan of breakers, identify and report any safety concerns).