From Abbeville to Zwolle, Louisianians have been protected for a decade, thanks to smoke alarm protection measures first put in place statewide in 2011. That year, Louisiana required all existing one- and two-family dwellings to contain, at a minimum, one operable 10-year sealed battery smoke alarm at the time of lease or sale. Since then, countless lives have been saved from the dangers of smoke and fire, as other states have followed suit with similar legislation and code adoption.
However, alarms don’t last forever, and 10 years after this smoke alarm requirement took effect, First Alert, along with health and safety officials, have issued a timely reminder to the public: the need to replace 10-year smoke alarms as they approach expiration.
As part of its ongoing education efforts, First Alert is partnering with fire departments and safety organizations throughout the country to bring awareness to the importance of replacing alarms as they expire.
“These smoke alarm requirements marked a turning point for protection for Louisiana’s residents, but with busy lives and other priorities, it’s easy to take life-saving measures, like installing smoke alarms, for granted once they’ve been implemented,” said Tarsila Wey, director of marketing for First Alert. “In a time where so many Americans are home, it's critical that families take the necessary steps to enhance home safety, such as ensuring properly functioning smoke alarms are placed throughout the home and replacing them every 10 years.”
The Louisiana law does not pertain to newer homes built or remodeled after 1992 that are required to feature a hardwired alarm in each sleeping area and in the hallway of each floor. However, all smoke alarms have a useful life of 10 years, no matter the power source, so it’s still important for all Louisianians to check their alarms and ensure they are in working order.
Installing alarms with sealed 10-year batteries provides added safety and convenience as the battery lasts the life of the alarm and cannot be removed from the unit.
Important Safety Steps
To ensure your household is prepared in the event a home fire occurs,
- Install alarms. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), three out of five fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms, or no alarms at all. Ensuring working alarms are properly installed throughout the home is the first line of defense for fire prevention. The NFPA recommends installing smoke alarms on each level of the home, including the basement, and in every bedroom.
· Test and maintain. Once alarms are installed, it is important to maintain your alarms by testing them regularly.
· Replace outdated units. Alarms with a 10-year sealed battery are on duty 24/7 and need to be replaced every 10 years. Alarms don’t last forever. If you cannot remember the last time you installed an alarm, chances are, it's time to replace it.
· Don’t forget about carbon monoxide. During the colder months of the year, the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning increases dramatically. CO is an invisible, odorless gas produced by fuel-burning devices such as stoves, generators, and fireplaces, and can only be detected with a CO alarm. Make sure to install CO alarms on every level of your home and near all sleeping areas.
- Practice a fire escape plan. Once alarms are properly installed in your home, don’t forget about practicing a fire escape plan.According to the NFPA, only 32% of American households develop and practice an emergency escape plan. Identify two exits out of each room, including windows and doors, and set a dedicated meeting spot outside. Once outside, stay outside and call 911. Be sure to practice your escape plan with the entire family at least twice a year.