Smoke Alarms
A smoke alarm warning is critical to your family's escape in the event of a fire. Seconds count because you'll only have about 3 minutes to get out. It’s not enough to have smoke detectors – they need to work. Follow these guidelines and get smoke alarm smart today.
- Smoke alarms have test buttons. Test the alarms at least once a month, even if your alarm uses a long-life battery or is powered by household electricity.
People often remove or disconnect batteries to prevent nuisance activation caused by steam or vapors. Rather than take the battery out, try to quiet it by pushing the “HUSH” button, open windows and turn on vent fans to clear the air, or consider relocating the alarm farther away from the cooking area or bathroom. Also consider installing a photoelectric type alarm that is less sensitive to steam or vapors.
- An chirping sound from the alarm is a warning that the battery is low. Replace the battery immediately.Some alarms have visual indicators that flashe. If the Smoke Alarm continues to malfunction after changing the battery, replace unit immdeiately.
If the smoke alarm is malfunctioning, replace the unit.
Replace alarms every 8 years.
Use only the type of batteries recommended on the detector.
Always follow the manufacturer's directions on installation and maintenance.
Install smoke alarms that have the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Mark. The (UL) Mark tells you that the alarm has been evaluated according to nationally recognized safety requirements.
There are two kinds of suitable smoke alarms, photoelectric and ionization. Combination smoke alarms featuring both technologies are available. Photoelectric alarms are the most reliable for smoldering fires, which may occur in bedrooms or sitting rooms. Ionization alarms are the most reliable for detecting flaming fires, which may occur in the kitchen or garage.
Consider installing interconnected smoke alarms so that when one alarm senses smoke and sounds, they are all triggered throughout your home.
If someone in your home is hearing-impaired, consider smoke alarms that use visible notifications, such as flashing strobe lights.
Install a smoke alarm on every level, including the basement and attic.
Most fire deaths occur and night, and installing an alarm in or near each bedroom increases each person’s proximity to a sounding device. Place a smoke alarm within 15 feet of all sleeping areas.For added safety, install a smoke alarm in every room where people sleep, and keep doors closed while sleeping.
Smoke alarms should be installed on the ceiling, preferably in the center of the room, but not less than 4 inches from a wall. If the smoke alarm is installed on a wall, it must be placed between 4 and 12 inches from the ceiling.
Make sure everyone in your home can recognize and be awakened by the sound of the smoke alarm. Some children and the elderly may not readily awake to the sound of the smoke alarm.
Clean alarms regularly by dusting or vacuuming.
Never paint over alarms.
Every Spring and Fall when you change your clocks, remember to change your smoke alarm batteries.
Install and maintain carbon monoxide (CO) detectors. Installing smoke alarms do not eliminate the need for CO detector alarms. Smoke alarms do not sense CO gas and CO detector alarms do not sense smoke. <more>
