Monday, January 10, 2011

Smoke detectors - who needs them to work properly?

I was thinking the other day about how people don't seem to take the issue of reliable smoke detectors seriously.  The manufacturers recommend that all detectors be replaced ever 10 years.  (Research shows that 30% are defective by that time.)  But that doesn't seem to make much of an impression on people.  But I guess it's hard to appreciate the problem when the detector looks the same as it always has. 

An analogy of seatbelts came to mind.  How often do you need them?  If your car had a recall on seatbelts because 30% were defective, that would get your attention.  You don't often need them, but they need to work 100%  when the time comes.  The same is true for smoke detectors.  They're there, working quietly day after day, month after month and year after year.  But after 10 years, although they look the same, they are no longer as reliable as they once were.  We all know how important they are.  Replacing them every 10 years doesn't seem too bad for the protection it gives you, your family and your house.

(You can read detailed information about smoke detectors in the Helpful Hints section of our web site:  Click here.)

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