Although most home insurance providers don’t require their customers to have working smoke detectors in their homes, their presence is quite valuable. According to statistics from the National Fire Protection Association, three out of five deaths related to home fires occurred in homes that either had no smoke alarms or no functional smoke detection devices. 

Smoke alarms alert you so you can get out of the house fast. NFPA data suggests that working smoke alarms lower the likelihood of people dying in a household fire by roughly 50 percent. Household fires account for 37 percent, or slightly over one-third, of all fire-related deaths. 

Two Types of Smoke Detectors 
The two types of smoke detectors work in different ways. Ionization smoke alarms detect flames quickly, and sound an alarm to allow people within a home to escape safely. Photoelectric smoke alert devices detect smoldering fires — the type of which causes smoke to spread quickly. Ideally, you should have both types of smoke and fire detectors in your home. 

Lower Home Insurance Premiums by Installing Smoke Detectors 
One important bit of information regarding home insurance rates is that many insurance providers establish their rates through foreseeable risk. That’s why insurance premiums may be higher for people who live in areas prone to disasters. There are ways that homeowners can lower their home insurance costs; for fire risk, the presence of working smoke alarms may help you get a break on your monthly premiums. 

Smoke Detectors and Building Code Requirements 
In many states, local building codes require that working smoke alarms be installed in all newly built residential and commercial properties. If you live in an older home and are doing remodeling or intend to do remodeling, your contractor will have to comply with current building code requirements. 

The presence of smoke detectors might not assure you of being able to salvage your prized possessions, but it can help you make sure that everyone in the home gets out safely; and nothing is more important than the safety of your family members. 

How much could you save by installing smoke detectors? Call Hill & Stone Insurance at 847-295-3030 for more information on Illinois home insurance. 

Do you have smoke alarms or detectors in your home? Let us know in the comments.