Smoke detector safety...... what are you smoking in Santa Cruz?

As the season is upon us where we turn up our thermostats and turn to our heat sources, fire safety is of paramount concern. With the cost of heating fuel increasing and the economony sour, many will be turning to their fireplaces and wood stoves for heat. This is also the time of year that day light saving changes and the light starts getting shorter after work.

So do yourself a favor, and check your smoke detectors. If you have not replaced them in awhile, they are relatively cheap, usually under $10 each. Most 120 volt wired detectors only have about a 10 year life. They sometimes have an easy connect and disconnect plug so you don't need to turn off your circuit breakers. You should consider replacing them, but if in doubt, have an electrician replace them. Your safety depends on them.

Often the battery operated ones get disabled because they are placed too close the the kitchen, where we all burn toast or bacon, from time to time. Buy some 9 volt batteries, get a small ladder and change the batteries; test for the shriek.This should be done annually. The California codes require a smoke detector in the bedrooms. I find they are easy to install just above the doors about a foot above the top of the door.

Please put this small item on your list of things to do. With the winter coming, we often have warm thoughts, and have candles to cheer us and give ambience. Candles are often the cause of fires and having working smoke detectors can save your life. Earlier this month was national Fire Prvention Week, so check and see if there are things that you can teach your kids about fire safety. Have an evacuation plan and teach the kids how to dial 911 in case of an emergency.

While the grinch may be upon us all this holiday season, lets hope you do not have to make a personal acquiantence with a local firefighter. Out fireman are a valuable resource and you can help them and yourself by doing the little things like changing the batteries and checking to see that all your smoke detector are functioning.

All Santa Cruz real estate is required to have working smoke detectors upon change of ownership.If you have not recently purchased a home or your home is not new, chances are that you should check your fire safety devices. Be safe, have a good holiday season. Family and friends are what the holidays are about, stuff it isn't, but don't let it all go up in smoke.

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