Smoke Detectors and Fire Damage Prevention in Nashville Properties

10/9/2017 (Permalink)

The Importance of Properly Working Smoke Detectors in Your Home

The importance of smoke detectors in preventing fire damage cannot be overemphasized. Unfortunately, too many people overlook their significance even amidst the rising cases of fire disasters in our homes. In fact, while an impressive 90 percent of all homeowners in the country have installed a smoke alarm in their houses, up to 30 percent of them do not function when needed.

At SERVPRO, we receive numerous fire damage reports from Nashville that could have been avoided by using smoke detectors. Thankfully, we have a team of highly skilled and highly trained restoration experts certified by the IICRC that are quick to respond to any emergency. Our tools and equipment are up to par with industry standards, ensuring that the restoration process goes smoothly and efficiently.

If the house is structurally sound, the heat and flames usually self-extinguish after consuming all existing combustibles. However, if the wall and ceiling fire resistance is inadequate, the fire can spread into adjacent rooms and begin the process over again. If it is not controlled, the fire can lead to complete destruction of the building and its contents.

Proper installation and maintenance is the answer to reducing the impact of fire damage with smoke alarms. A licensed professional should install the device on every level of your house, as well as the interior and exterior of each sleeping area. Avoid placing smoke detectors within 3 feet of a heating/air conditioning vent or ceiling fan, which can block the smoke from flowing to the device during a fire emergency.

SERVPRO franchise is particularly thorough when it comes to safety precautions. To ensure that your smoke alarm works at preventing extensive fire damage, you should test the device on a monthly basis, changing the batteries as needed. Additionally, make a point of replacing the entire smoke detector every ten years or so to guarantee efficiency.

You can tell when a smoke alarm is not working properly if it beeps slowly and consistently, indicating that you need a new one or the batteries are running low. Apart from beeping, most devices come with a "low battery" button that blinks when necessary. This is a clear warning that the unit may not do much to prevent fire damage.

Successful fire damage suppression is relatively dependent on a functional smoke detector. If your home sustains severe fire damage nonetheless, SERVPRO of South Nashville can arrive on time to salvage your property. For any emergency, call us today at (615) 331-0200.  

Visit https://www.nashville.gov/ for more information about Nashville, Tennessee.