Fire alarms inconspicuously sit on the wall or ceiling of your home, or business, and yet they play an essential role in keeping you, your family, and your employees safe during an emergency. But when is the last time you actually checked to make sure the device worked? The fire experts at GMW Fire Protection in Anchorage, AK, offer some important reasons to routinely check the fire alarms around your home or apartment.

Here’s the bottom line: if a fire breaks out, fire alarms and smoke detectors save lives. Once the burning begins, smoke will fill the air, making it tough to see or breathe. According to GMW Fire Protection, more than two-thirds of fire deaths occur in homes and offices without working fire alarm systems. In fact, a properly functioning alarm will cut your chances of dying in half. So it's very important to have a working fire alarm in your house or business.

As a rule of thumb, property owners should install a fire alarm in each bedroom, and another in the hallway. Each floor of a business should have at least one but, ideally, several fire alarms. Fire alarm systems should be checked once a month to make sure they are working correctly. Fire alarms should be replaced every ten years, or immediately if it is not working.

GMW Fire Protection offers a variety of residential and commercial fire protection products and services, including fire extinguishers, fire alarm systems, fire pumps, and kitchen fire suppression systems. These professionals will even provide emergency management training and 24/7 emergency services for you or your staff. GMW Fire Protection is dedicated to saving lives.

Take a look at the fire alarm on the wall. It’s time to take charge of your own safety and check it to make sure it’s working correctly or install another fire alarm system if needed. Call Anchorage's GMW Fire Protection at (907) 336-5000 to take advantage of their same day service. Visit the website to browse their selection of commercial fire protection products and services.