Smoke Alarms

Smoke Alarms Save Lives!

The majority of home fires that kill people happen at night. If you're asleep, the smell of smoke won't always wake you up. In fact, inhaling the smoke and gases generated by a fire, actually put you into a deeper sleep. Most deaths occur from this exposure, not exposure to the flames of a fire.

Inexpensive home smoke alarms can wake you in time to escape, cutting your chances of dying nearly in half. Smoke alarms do save lives, and are now required by law in private homes.

Smoke Alarm Designs

There are two types of alarms - Ionization and Photo-Electric.

Ionization - These contain a tiny amount of radioactive material that ionizes the air, making an electrical path. When smoke enters, they cause a change in the electric current flow that triggers the alarm.

Photo-Electric - These contain a light source, and a photocell that is activated by light. Light from the bulb reflects off the smoke particles and is directed toward the photocell, activating the alarm.

Either design is fast enough to provide sufficient warning to escape from a fire. Be sure the alarm you buy carries the label of an independent testing lab. If installed and maintained properly, all will protect you.

Installation and Care

Smoke rises, so mount alarms high on a wall (within 4 to 12 inches of the ceiling or on the ceiling itself.

Install alarms according to manufacturer's instructions.

Place an alarm on every floor of your home, including the basement, and outside each sleeping area. If someone sleeps with the door closed, install an alarm inside the room.

Be sure everyone sleeping in the home can hear your alarms. If someone is hearing impaired, alarms are also available that can activate flashing strobe lights.

Don't install an alarm near a door, window, or forced-air register where drafts could interfere with its operation.

Don't install a conventional alarm in a kitchen or garage. Cooking fumes or vehicle exhausts can set off false alarms. Use alarms specifically designed for these areas if coverage is needed.

Clean dirt and cobwebs from your alarms monthly using a vacuum. Dirt reduces the alarm's sensitivity.

Use the test button to test your alarms once a month

If you have battery operated alarms, change your batteries twice a year. Best rule of thumb - "Change your batteries when you change your clocks"!