Smoke alarms are everywhere and they save lives. Outline the pros and cons of their use.

Pros of Smoke Alarms:

1. Life Saving: The primary advantage of smoke alarms is their ability to save lives. They provide an early warning of a potential fire, giving people enough time to escape safely.

2. Prevents Property Damage: Smoke alarms can help prevent extensive property damage. If a fire is detected early, it can be extinguished before it spreads and causes significant damage.

3. Affordable and Easy to Install: Smoke alarms are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. This makes them accessible to most households.

4. Insurance Discounts: Many insurance companies offer discounts on home insurance premiums if the property is equipped with functioning smoke alarms.

Cons of Smoke Alarms:

1. False Alarms: Smoke alarms can sometimes be triggered by non-threatening sources like steam from a shower or smoke from cooking. This can lead to unnecessary panic and confusion.

2. Maintenance: Smoke alarms require regular maintenance. Batteries need to be replaced regularly, and the unit itself should be replaced every 10 years.

3. Not Always Effective: Smoke alarms may not always be effective in waking up individuals, especially heavy sleepers or those with hearing impairments.

4. Dependence on Power: Unless they have a battery backup, smoke alarms will not work during a power outage, which can be a significant disadvantage in a fire situation.