Safety devices such as; monitored alarm systems, smoke detectors and carbon-monoxide detectors are not only an effective way to increase the overall security of your home, but they can also reduce the cost of your home insurance. Sites such as Health Canada and Securite Publique Quebec provide valuable resources about the importance of home safety devices as well as accident, home and yard safety.
Monitored alarm system
The first safety device, is a tool that not only is an effective way to increase your family’s personal security, but may also have a significant impact on the cost of your home insurance. A monitored alarm system, specifically one that monitors your home for smoke and fire, and is enabled with police communication is an excellent tool. This safety device not only monitors your home for break-ins, fire and smoke at all times ensuring better overall security for your home, it also reduces risk for your insurance company and that translates to savings for you! Sometimes these savings can be as high as 15% or more!
Smoke detectors
Smoke detectors come in two basic types: Photoelectric for detection of slow-burning fires, and ionization which detects fast flaming fires. Installing both models, or choosing detectors that offer detection using both technologies will give you better coverage.
The best placement of smoke detectors, are outside of each sleeping area and then one on each additional level in your home. Be sure to remember the basement! When choosing your smoke detectors, look for a stamp of approval from either: The Canadian Standards Association (CSA), Underwriters’ Laboratories of Canada (ULC), or other appropriate association.
The Securite Publique Quebec offers a wealth of knowledge about testing, maintenance and best places to install smoke detectors. They recommend changing your smoke detector batteries if your detector emits an intermittent sound, as well as twice a year when you change your clocks.
Carbon-monoxide detector
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas known as “the silent killer”. Unlike smoke, you cannot see or smell it and it has no discernable taste. Carbon Monoxide is created when natural gas, oil, wood, propane and other fuels lack the oxygen needed to burn completely. This is one of the most important reasons to have your heating system inspected and repaired or maintained every year.
Carbon-monoxide detectors are very important, and some smoke detector models do double-duty as a carbon monoxide alarm, but be sure you carefully read the labels to be sure this is the case! Just as in the case of a smoke detector, you’ll need to replace your carbon monoxide detector batteries twice a year. Remember that people are most likely to be in danger from carbon monoxide poisoning when asleep, so place your carbon monoxide detectors very near to your sleeping areas.
Fire extinguisher
In the case of fire safety, prevention really is worth an ounce of cure. Ensuring that you are acting responsibly around heating or cooking elements, candles, cigarettes and more is always the first line of defense. It is also a good idea to have a fire extinguisher handy in the kitchen, and to know how to use it before you ever need to actually do so.
Be sure to choose an extinguisher that has been given the stamp of approval from a nationally recognized testing facility, and to carefully read the label indicating which types of fires for which it is approved.
The Health Canada and The Securite Publique Quebec websites provide valuable resources about accident, home and yard safety as well as important information about home safety devices. Remember: Being prepared is the number one safety tip!
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