Are your alarms up to snuff?

By Bill Streb Owner, Streb Electric

You know spring is nearly here when it’s time to move our clocks forward to Daylight Savings Time on Sunday, March 12.

But did you also know the National Fire Protection Association promotes the “Change your Clocks, Change your Batteries,” campaign as a reminder to homeowners to change batteries in their smoke alarms?

I thought this would be a good time to go over current recommendations:

• You should have a smoke alarm installed inside every bedroom and outside of every sleeping area, as well as on each level of the home, including the basement.
• Carbon monoxide detectors should be outside sleeping areas and on every level of the home including the basement.
• There are two types of smoke detectors: the ionization one that’s more responsive to flames, and the photoelectric one that’s more sensitive to smoldering fire. There are also models that feature both types of detection technology.
• It’s smart to have alarms interconnected so when one goes off, they all go off. Many of the newer alarms are wireless and can “talk” to each other throughout the home. And some models we’re installing also come with a lithium battery that can last up to 10 years, which is nice.
• We recommend testing your alarms once a month and replacing batteries once a year if the model calls for regular batteries.
• Make sure everyone in your home knows the difference between the alarm sound of your smoke alarm versus your carbon monoxide detector so they know how to react if it goes off.
• Buy alarms at a reputable place.

Questions? We can install alarms and also carry several top brands. Give us a call to check and make sure your home is as safe as possible.

Streb Electric is headquartered in Willoughby. For the past 40 years, the family-operated service company has earned a reputation for making sure homes are safe and free from electrical hazards. Call 440-953-5819 or visit StrebElectric.com.