Did you know studies show up to 80% of children don’t wake up to traditional smoke alarms? Though they’re designed to save lives, studies like this one from ABC have shown that smoke alarms using a high-pitched frequency simply are not enough to wake children during an emergency. Even then, having a working alarm system is better than not having any at all.
The good news is that recent technology developments have improved the odds of little ones waking up during a dangerous fire or carbon monoxide emergency while reducing the amount of false alarms. In fact, developments in smoke alarm technology over the past 5 years have been so extraordinary that new placement and use guidelines have been developed by regulatory agencies and manufacturers alike.
In this week’s article, we take a look at a maintenance task that is perfect for when you’re cooped up inside. This easy to overlook task you can do on your own can have a huge impact on your safety. First, we explore how modern technology has improved smoke alarms, then we learn what that means when you’re buying or selling your next home. There’s a lot to learn - let’s dig in!
Smoke Alarms
We all know that smoke alarms are important. Since we were small children, it’s been engrained in us that smoke alarms save lives. But who hasn’t gotten fed up with a smoke alarm going off all the time and just taken the batteries out? And how often do the batteries get replaced after the cooking fiasco is cleaned up? Simply having a smoke alarm is not enough - it must also be in working order to do its job.
Modern smoke alarms come in a variety of styles, from super advanced algorithmically empowered smart devices we control with our phones to low-fuss units that never even need their battery changed. It’s gotten to the point where we, as consumers, need to know all about our current system when we’re replacing or adding even a single unit. While technology has presented us with a plethora of options, all those choices mean we can choose wrong.
Alarm Improvements
Of all the improvements made over the past few years, the huge increase in success with rousing children during a fire emergency is the most important to me. As we saw in the ABC article, above, kids tend to sleep through just about everything - including smoke alarms. Years of research and development have yielded good results, and the new systems have improved the response rate from children dramatically. Check out this article from Nationwide Children’s Hospital for more details.
The big development shows that using a voice is a lot more successful than using the traditional high pitched tone. Though they’re still figuring out the best voice to use, many successful options are already available. Don’t be surprised if you start seeing more talking alarms and less sirens around schools and other places children gather!
Sensor Technology Improvements
I’m not going to get into the specifics of the different types of detection technologies used in today’s smoke alarms. I’m a real estate agent, not a scientist, and I’d rather not try and teach you about something I’m no expert on. As the detection technology has changed and improved, placement guidelines for smoke alarms have also evolved. Always be sure to thoroughly read and follow all manufacturers’ guidelines before installing smoke alarms.
Even the oversight organizations, like the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) direct readers to check with local zoning ordinances and the manufacturer’s guidelines. Universally, it’s still better to have working smoke alarms installed than letting analysis paralysis get in the way and prevent any from being placed. And universally, we should still follow these minimal guidelines:
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Working smoke alarm in every sleeping room
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Working smoke alarm outside every sleeping area
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Working smoke alarm on every level of the structure
One of the big advancements in smoke alarm sensor technology has been to decrease the frequency of false alarms. We all know and hate when we’re cooking grilled cheese sandwiches and the smoke alarm goes off. All too often, this leads to the smoke alarm being deactivated - and sometimes destroyed. Modern smoke alarm design has taken this into consideration and has cut down on false alarms.
Tip
With the updates to technology we’ve seen recently, it’s a good time to replace and update your home smoke alarm system.
Maintenance
Having and maintaining functional smoke alarms is a vital part of any home emergency plan. The good news is that, unlike installation tips, most smoke alarms have the same general maintenance routine:
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Test each unit each month.
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Investigate and correct any units that chirp or make other sounds.
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Replace batteries as needed.
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Replace units as needed.
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Replace units after a fire incident.
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Replace units every 10 years.
Buying or Selling
Governments don’t always move as fast as technology, and some local zoning ordinances have not caught up to the recent changes to smoke alarm technology. Be sure to check with local ordinances before installing a new smoke alarm system in your home - the installation instructions for newer models may conflict with the zoning in your area.
As a home buyer, it’s important to know that smoke alarm regulations are locally set, and acceptable smoke alarm systems could look different in different areas. Your agent is there to help you with these nuances, especially if you’re interested in submitting a bid. This is one of the reasons I stress working with a local real estate agent.
If you’re going to sell your home, now is a great time to update your smoke alarm system. COMPASS Concierge is here to help cover these types of update expenses to ensure your home is presented in its best light to get you the most for your home. Reach out to me to learn more about COMPASS Concierge and all the ways I can help you get the most when you sell your home.
Conclusion
Whether you’re concerned about the safety of your children, are interested in multi-hazard units, or just want less false alarms, modern smoke alarms have come a long way. All these advancements are well and good, but they mean nothing if you don’t have working smoke alarms installed. This winter while you’re cooped up inside, why not update your entire smoke alarm system instead of just the usual monthly maintenance?
Thank you for taking the time to be informed about smoke alarms. I hope you check your smoke alarms and perform regular maintenance. Please share this information with everyone you know! If you have any questions about smoke alarms or other in-home safety concerns, please reach out to chat. I always make time for you and the people who are important to you.
