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Why do I need a fire alarm?
Home » Home Security » Fire Alarms » Why do I need a fire alarm?Though smoke alarms are a relatively new innovation, they are now seemingly everywhere. The United States Fire Administration (USFA) reports that by 1995, ninety-three percent of American homes (including apartments, nursing homes, and dormitories) had fire alarms. Many states also require fire alarms in both new and existing residences, and businesses must also meet strict fire codes to ensure employee safety.
The main motivation behind this movement to equip all homes with fire alarms is the belief that smoke alarms save lives. The National Fire Protection Association reported that in 2002, 2,670 Americans died in residential fires. Meanwhile, the USFA states that smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by fifty percent. Put these statistics together, and it is hard to argue against the benefits of fire alarms.
Fire alarms operate as an early warning system that senses the presence of smoke before you do. Once your fire alarm senses smoke, it sounds the alarm to alert you because, as the saying goes, “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.” You might not notice a small spark or stream of smoke, but the fire alarm notices it and warns you before the small spark turns into a huge flame.
If your fire alarm goes off and you cannot determine whether it is a false alarm, exit the building and call the fire department for help. With fires, it is better to be safe than sorry.
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