If it’s time to change your clocks, it’s time to change your batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
A general rule of thumb is to have at least one smoke, heat & gas detector per level (and preferably per bedroom too). Electric powered detectors are good, as there is no requirement to change batteries. On the other hand, battery powered work when the power is interrupted for whatever reason. A combination of both is best.
There are two main types of smoke alarms: ionization detectors which respond more quickly to flaming fires with smaller combustion particles and photoelectric detectors which respond more quickly to smouldering fires. Having both types may increase your chances of early detection of a fire.
Pregnant women, infants, children, senior citizens, smokers, persons with heart or respiratory problems may experience symptoms from carbon monoxide at lower levels of exposure than can be detected by their sensor. These individuals may require audible and visual signals for carbon monoxide concentrations at lower levels. Inter-connected detectors (electric and security system versions typically) will all sound if just one “rings”.
Please note that manufacturers may recommend the replacement of their detectors on a regular basis, such as every 5 years. Test your detectors at least monthly (preferably weekly) and change batteries at least twice a year. Read more about smoke detectors, gas sensors and alarms here…
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