I think I've mentioned this before, but with Daylight Savings Time coming up, it bears repeating. It's a good idea to change the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors twice a year. Since you have to change your clocks anyway for Daylight Savings Time, that's a good time to change the batteries. It's easy to remember when you did it last that way.
Backyard grills are popular, especially in the summer months, but make sure you take proper precautions with working with them. Both gas and charcoal grills can start fires. "The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says gas-fueled grills caused an estimated 600 home structure fires and 3,200 home outdoor fires in 2001. Also, charcoal or other structure fires and 3,200 home outdoor fires in 2001. Also, charcoal or other solid-fueled grills caused an estimated 400 home structure firs and 200 home outdoor fires during 2001." The quote is from a recent news article called Enjoy the Thrill of the Grill, Safely. The article goes on to mention ways to grill safely and keep your family and home safe, so it's worth reading before you light up the BBQ.
Here's an interesting tidbit I found out about smoke detectors:
They're usually installed in the bedroom wing of homes because homeowners worry about fires trapping people while they're sleeping. You shouldn't hesitate to install extra smoke detectors in rooms with high vaulted ceilings. Because heat rises, these detectors can be more effective than hallway units in catching a fire in its earliest stages.
Source: Better Houses, Better Living: What To Look for When Buying, Building or Remodeling
According to KidSmart, kids tend to be heavy sleepers and won't always wake up to the sound of a smoke detector. If they do wake up, they may be scared and hide instead of leaving the house. KidSmart offers an alternative smoke detector. Instead of beeping, it plays a message that you, the parent, record (i.e. James, this is mom, there's a fire, you need to... etc.). It seems like a neat and practical idea as the sound of mom or dad's voice would certainly be reassuring to them if they woke up to a house fire.
It's not enough to just have fire detectors. While they can dectect smoke, they cannot detect carbon monoxide, a colorless, tasteless, and odorless gas that can kill. Carbon monoxide can enter your home through malfunctioning fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, dryers, and gas water heaters. Also, propane grills, wood-burning stoves, and fireplaces need to be watched.
Carbon monoxide detectors have been on the market since the early 90s, but accord to Better Homes & Garden article Carbon Monoxide Dangers in Your Home only 27% of American homes employ carbon monoxide detectors. These days, they are cheaper than ever.
You can find a combination carbon monoxide detector and smoke detector like this one for less than $75. If you just need a carbon monoxide detector, try the KIDDE 9C0-5 Battery Operated Carbon Monoxide Detector for under $50.
Been a while since you thought about your smoke detector? Not even sure where your smoke detectors are or whether their batteries are good?
Every home should have at least 1 smoke detector per floor (located in a central area). Batteries should be changed and detectors should be tested at least twice a year (easy to remember if you do it the same time as you set your clocks forward/back on Daylight Savings Days).
Further Resources:
How Smoke Detectors Work
Smoke Detector Information
