Fire Safety: Smoke Detectors

Why Do I Need A Smoke Detector?


                     Every year many lives are saved by smoke detectors. Most fire deaths in homes occur                              when people are sleeping. You might think you would smell smoke if your house was on                          fire and you were asleep but most likely you will not. A smoke detector is your nose when                        you are aware and asleep. If it senses a fire it will sound and alert you to a fire and allow you to escape your home and call 911 from your neighbors house.


Where Should I Install My Detector?


Smoke rises, so the best place to install a detector is on the ceiling or high on an inside wall just below the ceiling.

In a Multi-level home, a detector is needed on each level. On the first floor it should be placed on the ceiling at the base of the stairwell. Detectors should be installed within 10-15 feet of the bedrooms so they can be heard when the door is closed. But, remember not to install a detector within 3 feet of an air supply register that may blow smoke away. Don't install a detector between an air return and the sleeping area. The smoke will be recirculated and diluted resulting in a delayed alarm.

If you are installing more than one detector you may want to consider purchasing units that can be interconnected. That way when one unit detects smoke, all the detectors will sound the alarm.

How Are Detectors Powered?

Batteries: these are the easiest to install. They require no outlets or wiring connection, however, batteries must be replaced twice a year. We recommend you change them in the spring and in the fall when you change your clocks.

They can be plugged into any wall socket
They can  can be wired permanently into your home's electrical system.


How Can I Best Care for My Detector?

Dirt, extreme changes in temperature and cooking exhaust can cause a false alarm or malfunction of the detector. To prevent false alarms, locate the detector away from air vents, air conditioners and fans. Keep the grillwork free of dirt by occasional vacuuming and dusting. Don't paint the cover of a smoke detector as this may clog the grillwork. Test your detector every month, or more often if necessary to make sure it's working.