Home security and fire detection systems are effective at warning you of potential dangers, but after that, it is your actions that will determine the outcome. It is important to know what to do and then practice with your family, so you’ll know exactly what to do in an emergency and increase the likelihood of safety and survival.

When the Security Alarm Sounds

Intrusion systems are big deterrents to burglars, but if your alarm does sound, what would you do? Take a look at “What to do if your Security Alarm Sounds”

When the Fire Alarm Sounds

To prepare for a possible fire in your home, use the thorough resources provided by the NFPA. Here are some highlights:

• Have a working smoke alarm on every level of your home and inside every bedroom.
• If your smoke alarm is over 10 years old, it is time to replace it
• Know at least two ways out of every room
• Have a fire plan and practice a fire drill at least twice a year
• Have a designated meeting spot outside your home and stay outside until it is safe to go back inside.
• Memorize the number to call the fire department (usually 911, but not in every community)

It is human nature to try to put out a fire in your home to prevent damage, but remember it is critical that everyone in the home gets out safely. Some fires are made worse by a panicky reaction. Try to stay calm and remember that it is easier to be calm if you have planned and practiced what to do in the event of an emergency.

Smoke detectors play a crucial role in keeping your family safe from deadly home fires

Studies have shown that having a working smoke detector in your home reduces your chance of dying in a house fire by half. A large portion of protecting your home and your family from a house fire is by simply installing a smoke detector in your home. The other part is making sure that your smoke detector is working properly.

Regularly Test Your Home Smoke Alarm

Your home smoke alarm should be tested once a month to ensure that it is working properly. Each smoke alarm has a test button, usually located in the center of the device. Push it once. If the device emits a loud noise, it is working correctly. If not, try replacing the batteries.

Smoke Detector Batteries Don't Last Forever

We rarely think about it, but a smoke detector needs its batteries changed regularly. Be sure to change yours no less than once a year. According to the US Fire Administration and FEMA, roughly a third of smoke alarms that are in place are not working. That means you aren't protected, so it is important to regularly check your smoke detectors and ensure they are working properly. If you are moving into a new home, be sure to check all of the smoke detectors and replace any that aren't working.

Advanced Protection

Smoke detectors are the bare minimum for home protection from fires. If you want more comprehensive protection, Richmond Alarm offers 24 hour monitored systems and protection from house fires even when you are away from home. Our local monitoring keeps a constant watch on your home's alarm system so that if it is triggered, we can send the fire department straight to your home, even if you aren't there. Early detection of a fire can save you thousands of dollars in home repairs as well as your life.

Call 804-276-9259 or contact us online for more ways to protect your home or business.

Have you practiced a home fire escape plan?

Not many of us do this, even though we know we should. In observance of fire prevention week, please take time to make a plan to escape if there is a fire in your home, especially if there are children in the home. They need to hear what a smoke detector sounds like so they’ll know what it is and what to do when it sounds. Practice your fire escape plan and remember each room needs at least two exits, which means having window ladders for rooms above the first floor.

Plan a meeting place outside and to call 911 from a phone outside the home.

Check out the National Fire Prevention Association website for helpful tools and tips.

Smoke Detectors Save Lives

Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a house fire in half, so check the units and replace the batteries. People over the age of 65 are at the highest risk of fatalities in a fire, so please make time to check on older family and friends who may need a smoke detector check up. If you or someone you know needs help installing a smoke detector in the home, most local fire department and/or social service departments will set up a time and do it for you. Links and phone numbers are listed here for your convenience.

Richmond

804-646-1526

Chesterfield

804-748-1426

Henrico 

804-501-4900

Hanover

804-365-6195

Powhatan

804-598-5646