How to Use Electrical Power to Keep the Home Safe
When it comes to home safety, the electrical system can certainly be a liability. In unfortunate cases, electricity is responsible for fires and electrical shocks that can cause injury, property damage, or death. But what if this potential hazard could be turned into a huge asset? By utilizing the electrical system in the home, homeowners can protect themselves from other hazards that threaten harm to their home and family. Here are three ideas to help homeowners get electricity on their side.
Install and Check Smoke Detectors
Most homes are built with wood framing. Wood is the material of choice because it is one of the cheaper options and tends to last a long time compared to the cost. One of the downsides of using wood to build a home is that it is flammable. When wood-framed homes catch fire, they can be total losses within minutes, even when they utilize modern flame-resistant finishes like drywall.
To prevent fires in the home, the first line of defense is smoke detectors. Smoke detectors are very sensitive devices that can sound the alarm at the first sign of ignition. Still, homeowners need to install and maintain them to ensure they are properly protected. The best option for smoke detectors is to have them hard-wired into the home’s infrastructure. This is best done during construction, so this isn’t an option for older homes. If the smoke detectors aren’t hard-wired, battery-powered smoke detectors are an excellent option.
Some of the places to place smoke detectors are:
- In hallways
- Near heat-producing equipment like furnaces and stoves
- In living spaces
- Close to fireplaces
- In bedrooms
- Garages
Use Carbon Monoxide Detectors
The signs of fires can be obvious, even in their early stages. Smoky smells will be evident, and flames can easily be seen. However, another common threat in the home is much more difficult to sense. Carbon monoxide is invisible and odorless. This gas is produced by the combustion of fossil fuels, and it is very poisonous, often causing health problems for which there is no obvious cause.
The best way to protect the family from carbon monoxide exposure is to install carbon monoxide detectors. These devices sense the presence of carbon monoxide and sound an alarm so people can vacate the area and call for professionals to locate the source. These devices are often found near furnaces and stoves and in basements, where they are likely to form. Homeowners are encouraged to purchase and install combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in these areas.
Remember Electrical Inspections
The devices discussed above take electrical power and make it useful for protecting the home and family. The final piece of advice from local electricians is to remember electrical inspections. Most people think of electrical inspection as something that is done only at the purchase of a home, but most homes would benefit from electrical inspections every few years. Some of the reasons electrical inspections are helpful include:
- Less wear and tear
- Fewer emergency repairs
- Safer operation of electrical components
- Lower energy bills
- Compliance with local codes
About Atlas Home Service
Atlas Home Service is the purple people offering phenomenal performance in HVAC and electrical services. They handle any kind of installation and repairs, including generators and motorized sunscreens. Call today for electrical service in Alexandria, LA.
