Smoke Detectors

Compliant Maryland Smoke Alarms

Half of all home fires occur between 11:00pm and 7:00am, while most of us are asleep. This is when we are most vulnerable, remember Smoke Alarms Save Lives!

Fire safety is not to be taken lightly. It is common sense and the law that each property has properly functioning smoke detectors. With a professional smoke detector installation, you can feel confident that your home and family will be protected, even if a fire occurs.

Throughout the State of Maryland, area homes are required to replace any battery only smoke alarm with a 10-year sealed in battery with a “hush” button feature. What does this mean for Maryland homeowners?

1. Once a smoke alarm detects smoke, you have less than 2 minutes to evacuate. Make sure your family is safe and has an evacuation plan. Everyone needs two exits from each room for safe escape.
2. Test your smoke alarms once a month. When it doesn’t operate properly in the case of fire, half the time it was because batteries were improperly installed, or the fire alarm detector had no batteries at all. Monthly testing is key to make sure you are safe.
3. Smoke alarms should be installed in every bedroom, outside every sleeping area, and on every floor of your home including the basement.
4. Smoke alarms need to be replaced every 10 years. Do not take chances. Their effectiveness decreases, and the chance it is faulty goes up significantly. And, the more current smoke alarms are much more sensitive than those 10 years ago.
5. Carbon Monoxide Detectors should also be installed outside every bedroom and on every floor of the home. They should be replaced every five years. There are some detectors which can be installed which combine a Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Alarm in the same unit.

No matter your electrical need, F.H. Furr’s team of electricians in the Baltimore-Washington area is here to serve you.