Smoke Detectors

SMOKE DETECTORS

Smoke detectors contribute significantly to the safety of your family by sensing smoke long before fire has had time to spread. Fire, smoke, and toxic gases move swiftly and silently through a structure, reducing visibility and your ability to escape fro the house safely.
Most fatal home fires occur at night while people are asleep. Poisonous gases and smoke from a fire in your home can numb the senses in a very short time. Every home needs a device that can wake people up in time to escape. Of all low cost fire alarm devices that are available, a smoke detector is the most effective.

CHOOSING A SMOKE DETECTOR

There are several name brands available. Buy those that are Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM) approved. Smoke detectors are available for the hearing impaired and can be purchased through your local fire equipment companies.
To get the protection you paid for, it is vital that you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for installation, testing and maintenance.

HOW MANY SMOKE DETECTORS DO YOU NEED?

Install at least one smoke alarm outside each sleeping area and one on each level of the home. We strongly recommend that you install one alarm inside each bedroom.
Smoke detectors are not recommended for kitchens because false alarms from cooking vapors, or garages where automobile exhaust might cause false alarms, or for attics or other unheated spaces where extremes of temperature or humidity might effect their operation. In these areas you should install a heat detector.

Before you install your smoke detector, click here.

INSTALLATION - WHERE AND HOW?

  • If you are a renter, the property owner is responsible for installing and maintaining alarms.
  • To install most smoke detectors, all you need is a screwdriver and a drill.
  • Because smoke rises, each alarm should be mounted high on a wall or on the ceiling to detect traces of smoke.
  • Wall mounted detectors should be no less that 4” or no more that 12” from the ceiling.
  • Ceiling mounted detectors should be at least 4” from a wall.
  • Smoke detectors should not be mounted near air vents.
MAINTENANCE
  • It only takes a moment to test a smoke alarm.
  • It is extremely important to test and clean all detectors regularly.
  • You need to test your alarm at least once a month and most detectors are equipped with a test button or follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Dust or cobwebs can reduce the detectors sensitivity to smoke. Clean your smoke alarm at least 3-4 times a year by using the brush end of your vacuum cleaner.
  • Replace batteries at least once a year if the alarm is battery operated.
  • Smoke detectors need to be replaced every ten years.
  • Never paint a smoke alarm.
General Information
U.S. Fire Administration Smoke Alarms

How They Work:
How Smoke Detectors Work

Test yearly and why:
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

How They Work:
How Smoke Detectors Work

Carbon Monoxide Detector Information:
Carbon Monoxide Detectors

For more assistance in smoke detector placement or for more information on Home Safety ask to speak to a Public Education Section at 954-571-3085.





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