A smoke detector is the most commonly used fire safety product and for good reason. They are easy to install, require little maintenance, and provide an early warning when a significant amount of toxic products of combustion are present in the environment. However, sophisticated warning devices can do little to protect those who may vacillate, or for whatever reason, fail to evacuate the premises. Having an alert before the problem becomes unmanageable prevents death, injury and property damage. A smoke detector gives occupants an opportunity to escape the structure, and this alert has the potential to save friends and loved ones from a very dangerous situation.
Smoke detectors are required by law in many facilities since they are a fire safety product with a documented record of preventing serious injury and death. There are a multitude of scenarios that could cause a fire within a house including faulty wiring, open flames such as a candles, and cooking fiascos. The best choice is to be prepared, which is what a smoke detector does for us. Many of today’s modern smoke detectors also have the capability to detect carbon monoxide as well as the presence of smoke. Carbon monoxide, also known as CO, is one of the most dangerous gases generated by devices and equipment commonly found in homes and commercial structures. A leak which disperses co in any space is virtually undetectable. A CO detector becomes necessary since CO is odorless, colorless, tasteless, and poisonous. As it happens, CO is also produced by fire, so in a manner of speaking, having the ability to detect both types of emissions increases the likelihood that occupants can survive an exposure to fire and its byproducts.
Improperly or malfunctioning vented fuel appliances put a household at risk of CO poisoning, but a CO detector can save lives. Utilizing a smoke detector that is combined with a CO detector is one way to be sure that you are alerted to the presence of hazardous gas and potentially fatal fires.
|