Smoke Detectors

• Fires are a leading cause of accidental death in the home.
   
• Only working smoke alarms can save lives.
   
• The only way to make sure your smoke alarms work is to test them often - at least once a month.
   
• Most people forget to test their smoke alarms.

The primary fire safety strategy for any home is to warn the occupants early and get everyone out as quickly as possible. The best way to get the earliest warning of danger is by installing enough smoke alarms. Homes should have a smoke alarm near the bedrooms, but not so close to the kitchen that you have problems with alarms from cooking. It's a good idea to have a smoke alarm in each bedroom, especially if you sleep with the door closed.

What kinds are there?

There are two kinds of smoke alarms -- ionization and photoelectric. The ionization smoke detectors activate quicker for fast, flaming fires and the photoelectric type is quicker for slow, smoldering fires. Either one will provide you enough time to get out, but having a mix of the two types is a good idea. Models with both sensors are better than single sensor units, but of course they cost more.

To learn about how smoke detectors work, check out http://home.howstuffworks.com/smoke.htm

Smoke alarms are powered either by household current (ac), a battery, or ac with a battery that keeps it operating during power outages. The battery type is easy to install in existing homes but the battery must be changed annually. Building codes for new homes require ac powered alarms with battery backup. For greater safety, older ac only smoke alarms should be replaced with ac/battery alarm, and new codes requires any smoke alarm older than 10 years to be replaced.

Where do you need smoke detectors?

• Install at least one smoke alarm on every floor of your home (including the basement) and outside each sleeping area.

• Mount the smoke alarms on ceilings or high on walls – remember, smoke rises. Ceiling-mounted alarms should be installed at least four inches away from the nearest wall; wall-mounted alarms should be installed at least four inches, but not more than 12 inches away from the ceiling. On vaulted ceilings, be sure to mount the alarm at the highest point of the ceiling.

• MAINTENANCE IS IMPORTANT Your smoke detector must be maintained properly to provide you and your family with protection. If your Smoke Detector doesn't work properly the Silence . . . . . It could be DEADLY
  	Test your smoke detector at least once a month. Push the test button or use smoke.
  	Clean your detector at least once a year. Dust the grillwork with a vacuum cleaner.
  	Replace batteries and bulbs according to manufacturer's instructions. Battery-operated units do require somewhat more maintenance, since batteries must be replaced.

If your smoke or CO alarm sounds, get everyone outside.

Additional Smoke Detector information from NFPA

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Last modified: 02/10/08