As Fire Prevention Week wraps up every year, keeping your Muskoka home, cottage or condo safe from fire or carbon monoxide should never end. In an article recently published by the Huntsville Doppler, Muskoka Fire Departments have put out a call to know your alarms and check them regularly.
It’s easy to forget which beeps and siren sounds mean real danger as opposed to a fading battery in need of a change. With regular checks you’ll know how your alarms work and that they’re ready to do their job should the need arise.
Using Fire Prevention Week or the end of Daylight Savings Time in the fall as reminders to check your alarms can be an easy way to remember these important checks. But more often is better. Four easy days to remember are the Equinoxes and Solstices as another example. Whether you set a reminder every 3 – 4 months in your phone, or mark your family calendar, a seasonal review will ensure your alarms are in good working order throughout the year.
If your smoke alarms are more than 10 years old, it’s time to replace them – after this long, they’re at the end of their lifespan. Carbon monoxide detectors have a typical shelf life of 5 -7 years. Any model of alarm with a battery backup will need to have those batteries replaced at least annually if not more often. If your alarms begin to chirp regularly, this is a sign that the battery is near the end of its life. Whatever type of alarms you have, it’s best to review the owner’s manual to know how the unit works.
It’s also important to place your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in the right locations around your home. Avoid placing detectors near bathrooms and vents where steam, hot air and dust can impact how they work. You should also keep these units at least 5 feet away from any fireplaces, wood stoves or other burning appliance.
Keep your family safe and living in comfort year-round with seasonal inspections of your smoke and carbon alarms.If it’s time to buy a Muskoka home, cottage or condo or sell your property, work with a team ready to help you every step of the way. You can rely on The Rick Wearing & Sandra Parrott Team. Let us put our care and expertise to work for you whatever your real estate needs may be. Please call us at 705-788-3535 or email at info@WearingParrottTeam.com today!
This information is taken from sources deemed to be reliable. The Wearing Parrott Team does not guarantee accuracy; we recommend information be validated independently.