New Florida Smoke Alarm Law + Simple Safety Tips

This is a partnered post. All opinions are mine alone, and may differ from yours.

According to the new Florida law that went into effect Jan. 1, 2015 Florida families who replace or install battery-powered smoke alarms in their homes must use alarms powered by a sealed in 10 year battery.

 

In Florida, 114 residential fire deaths were reported by U.S. news media between Jan. 1 and Dec. 1, 2014. Of those incidents, 43 percent of the homes did not have alarms or working smoke alarms. While changing smoke alarm batteries can be tedious, it is important and can save someone’s life, even your own. The new law has actually made it easier for Florida homeowners by requiring a 10 year battery, which means you won’t have to replace them each daylight savings time (the previous recommendation).

As outlined in the Florida Building Code, Florida homeowners must install 10 year sealed battery smoke alarms when replacing outdated or non-working smoke alarms or installing new ones.

Kidde is a leading manufacturer of residential smoke alarms, carbon monoxide (CO) alarms and fire extinguishers and wants to make sure every Florida homeowner knows these Simple Safety Tips:

1. Smoke Alarms should be replaced every 10 years. Alarms should be placed in every room of your home, and should be tested monthly for maintenance.
2. Place Fire Extinguishers on each level of your home. Install them close to exits and in the kitchen and garage.
3. Install Carbon Monoxide Alarms on each floor and near bedrooms. Look for the “UL Listed” symbol to be sure the alarm meets quality standards. Remember to test these alarms monthly.
4. Create an Escape Plan for your family. Provide your family 2 different escape routes per room and practice these regularly. They even recommend having escape ladders available in upstairs rooms.

While smoke alarms are installed in 96 percent of US homes, 20 percent of those alarms are not functioning, mainly due to dead or missing batteries. With a sealed, long-life lithium battery smoke alarm, like Kidde Worry-Free Alarms, homeowners can enjoy peace of mind knowing that their homes’ smoke alarms are always on – operating 24 hours per day, seven days per week for 10 years – that’s a decade of hassle-free protection!

Kidde Smoke Alarms can be found at home improvement stores and range from $25-$50 in price. Remember, something as simple as a smoke alarm can save your life and your precious belongings if prevented. Make the investment and get up-to-date with the Florida laws. Kidde wants to help out one Florida family by providing them with a Worry-Free Smoke Alarm so enter below for your chance to win.

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