There are many things you can do to protect your home against thieves and potential dangers. You can install security cameras, remote door locks, and access control systems. You can even install a remote home security system to keep a watchful eye on your property while you are away. But, there is one essential safety fixture most people take for granted: the fire alarm system.
No matter how high-tech or expensive your security system is or how much you pay for monthly monitoring, if you don’t have a fire alarm system in place, your home will never be completely secured. More than that, having an alarm system that doesn’t work properly is equally as hazardous as having no alarm at all. Factors such as the age of the system, dust, a loose connection, or water vapors can increase the risk of your fire alarm system not responding properly. Regular inspections are paramount to ensure your fire alarm is functioning at its best, year-round.
So, if you haven’t inspected your fire alarm in a while, here are seven powerful reasons you should do it right away.
- Fire Alarms Save Lives
The use of fire alarms has skyrocketed from 10% of homes in 1975 to more than 95% today, and the number of fire deaths has halved in the same period. A recent report from the National Fire Protection Association and the U.S. Fire Administration has shown that fire alarms could reduce the risk of dying in a house blaze by 18%. According to another study, about 40% of all home fire deaths between 2007 and 2011 happened in residences with no fire alarm system in place while 23% of them occurred in households in which the system was not operating properly.
The fire alarm is designed to alert residents when the first sign of smoke is detected. The aim is to give residents, enough time to evacuate the property safely and to alert the authorities.
- Testing and Inspecting Your Fire Alarm Is a Legal Requirement
The National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code (NFPA) requires that your fire alarm system is inspected, tested, and certified once a year. While protecting your family and property should be enough reason to inspect your fire alarm, respecting the law is another strong argument to ensure that your annual fire inspection and certification is up to date.
- Reduce Your Home Insurance Costs
Home insurance policies vary depending on how big, old, and safe your home is. If your home is prone to disasters, such as flooding, fire, or wind damage, your insurance costs can become quite expensive. However, an insurance company can lower its premiums if you have state-of-the-art home security systems in place that protect your home from intruders, water damage, and, of course, fire.
- Avoid the High Costs of Property Loss
Hiring a fire alarm system Winnipeg professional installer is probably the best and easiest way to protect your home from potential dangers. The cost of setup is extremely low compared to the money you save on property loss.
- Peace of Mind
Having a fire alarm system in place that works will give you peace of mind that your home is monitored and protected 24/7. If a fire starts when you are not home, the alarm will go off, alerting the authorities that your home is in danger.
- It’s the Best Way to Prevent False Alarms
Regular inspection and testing can help you prevent nuisance alarms that waste the local Fire Department’s time and resources. Some states even charge fines for false alarms triggered by a faulty system.
- Regular Testing Ensures Optimum Performance
Testing your fire alarm on a regular basis is the only way to make sure that the system works properly. A bug that crawled inside the alarm, a loose connection, water damage, and regular tear and wear can compromise the integrity of your system. The only way to find out is by inspecting your fire alarm at least once a year.
It could be argued that the fire alarm is the most important safety fixture in your home. The problem is that many people disable their system due to false alarms or neglect to test and check it regularly, thus putting themselves in danger. This is not something you should postpone. Having your fire alarm system inspected today could save your life.
