Smokies
My family has grown accustomed to our garage being used for R&D from time to time. From motorcycles on jack stands, to an acetylene torch welding up some crafty project, there really is no telling what project may be on the table. Although, we do keep it clean (I even wash & wax the floors on my hands and knees), it is still an area of high activity. Why do I mention this fact?
Yesterday our daughter left for school, and out the garage she went. I was up in the office doing debits and credits, sending an occasional item to the network laser printer (which resides in the garage as well) when I heard her mention something about smoke in the garage. My wife, then called up and asked what the smoke in the garage was from. Knowing that I had nothing going in the garage, other than the print jobs whirling off the printer, I rushed down to investigate.
Upon getting to the garage, indeed there was a haze of smoke. Origin unknown. Just then, the extra 2 dollar smokie I stuck on the ceiling began it's screech to let us know something was burning. Clearly from the smell, I knew it was electrical, but just could not locate the source. Attic access in the garage was quickly checked, sent my wife to the bedroom above the garage, both yielding the same result: we had no idea where the smoke was coming from.
After a few minutes of checking, it was obvious the haze was clearing, and the source had stopped. I pulled my electrical meter, knowing I only had two electrical outlets, both showing power with breakers that were still on. Not good, I thought, the breakers should have blown. A little rummaging around yielded the source: An extension cord used to power the printer heated up to the point where it melted and burned in multiple spots.
Here's the thing: If you were to look at that electrical cord prior to the fire, no one would have ever thought it was faulty. It certainly looked like a well made, fairly new, cord that would be nothing to worry about. And that is the point: You never can tell when something unseen can malfunction. Having that smoke detector would have certainly alerted us in a time when there was no activity in that room (garage).
Smoke detectors are cheap, place one in each room if possible. The one I had in my garage was under $5 and took about 2 minutes to install. Change the batteries often: Every six months or minimally, each year. Change out the detector every ten years or so. Pay attention to your smoke detectors, they can save your home and lives.
As always, EMS Constructors/Handyman suggests using a properly licensed, bonded and insured Handyman service to perform ALL work on your home. Call 602-992.4141 today