Living in a home without smoke
detectors is risky business!
When fire occurs in your home, your chances for survival are two times better
when smoke detectors are present than when they are not.
Smoke detectors, when properly installed and maintained (following the
manufacturer's directions), provide early warning when fires occur. Early
warning increases your chances for survival and allows the fire department to
save more of your property.
In support of smoke detector effectiveness, many cities and states have laws
requiring the installation of smoke detectors in dwellings. Check with your
local fire department or State Fire Marshal for further information.
Time is crucial. Most fatal fires occur between midnight and 8 a.m. Many fire
victims die in their sleep from breathing smoke and toxic fire gases. When your
smoke detector sounds, you may have 2-1/2 minutes or less to escape. Develop
and Practice a Home Escape Plan.
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Installation of smoke
detectors
- Electric smoke detectors should be connected to a lighting circuit with no
intervening switches. For this, you may need an electrician. Connections using
extension-type cords are not permitted.
- Battery-operated models should sound an alert or beeping sound when
batteries need replacing. A smoke detector with dead batteries or whose
batteries have been removed is no protection at all.
- Dual-power models are available which are electrically powered but contain
a battery back-up should there be a power failure.
- Use only those detectors bearing the label of Underwriters Laboratories
(UL) or Factory Mutual (FM). The ceiling is the best mounting location at least
six inches away from any walls. If detectors are mounted on the wall, keep them
away from corners and at least 6 inches, but no more than 12 inches, from the
ceiling to the bottom of the detector.
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Help save your life and property
from fire
- For minimum protection, install a smoke detector outside each bedroom or
sleeping area in your home and keep your bedroom doors closed while you are
asleep.
- Keep your smoke detectors properly maintained. Test them at least once each
month to insure that the detectors are working properly. Batteries in
battery-operated detectors should be changed at least once yearly. Use only the
type of batteries recommended on the detector.
- If your smoke detector sounds an alarm when no smoke is present, consult
with the manufacturer or with your local fire department. If smoke from cooking
materials causes the detector to alarm, do not remove the batteries or
disconnect the power source. Simply fan the smoke away from the detector until
the alarm stops. If this happens frequently, it may be necessary to relocate
the detector or to install a different type of detector.
- Develop an escape plan and review the plan with all members of the family
frequently. Be aware that children and elderly people may need special
assistance should fire occur. Establish a meeting place outside the house for
all members of the family to ensure that everyone gets out of the house. Use a
neighbor's telephone to notify the fire department.
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Additional
tips
- If your smoke detector doesn't work properly, the silence 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
with a vacuum cleaner.
- Replace the battery each year. Use the battery type
listed on the detector.
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