Daylight saving time ends Sunday Nov. 6, a good time to check your smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and heaters to make sure they are in good working order.
SMOKE DETECTORS SAVE LIVES
Each year, thousands of people die in house fires. Approximately three out of five fire deaths occur in homes without a working smoke detector, the National Fire Protection Association says. At a minimum, residential structures should have one smoke detector on each floor, including the basement and attic. Ideally, smoke detectors should also be placed in each sleeping area as well.
Change the batteries in each detector twice a year. Importantly, don’t depend on the smoke detector beeps to alert you it is not working. To keep your family safe, give each smoke detector a quick check each month. The staff at Delco Alarm Systems can instruct you how to use canned smoke to make sure all detectors are in working order. Vacuum each detector and make sure no grease, paint or dirt has accumulated. Any device that appears damaged should be replaced. And remember to have an exit plan in the event your smoke detectors activate. The experts at Delco Alarm Systems can design a fire system for your home that will protect your family and meet all local, state and national fire codes.
CARBON MONOXIDE, THE SILENT KILLER
Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are also a must. Place one on each living level of your home, in the basement and near, not in, an attached garage. Carbon monoxide, dubbed the silent killer
is an odorless gas that is undetectable to people and their pets. Produced when natural gas, propane, wood or coal is burned, CO quickly becomes dangerous when an area is not properly ventilated or when a chimney is blocked. CO detectors monitor the levels of CO in a home and activate before CO can reach dangerous levels. Make sure to keep grills, generators and other fuel-burning devices outside and away from doors and windows. If you have questions about CO detectors, the staff at Delco Alarm Systems can help
FALL HOME CHECKUP
There is nothing cozier than sitting in front of a warm fire on a cold night. But before you light your fireplace for the first time this season, give it a complete checkup. Both wood and gas-burning fireplaces should be cleaned of any dust or cobwebs that may have accumulated during the warmer months. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, clean your chimney once a year. Because of the potential risk of a fire, a professional is recommended to keep your fuel-burning fireplace clean and safe for you to enjoy. Fall is also the time to make sure your heater is ready for winter. Change the filter regularly and consider having an HVAC pro perform annual maintenance. It will save you money in the long run by keeping it running at peak efficiency. Most house fires and CO emergencies are preventable. Delco Alarm Systems is a family-owned business and has been part of the community for decades. We are committed to helping you and your family stay safe and secure. For more information, call 610-494-9100.