Do Smoke Alarms Really Save Lives?
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
from a fire. Of all the low-cost fire alarm devices you can buy, the
Fire Chief considers smoke alarms to be the most effective.
How To Choose A Smoke Detector
There are dozens of reputable brands of smoke alarms readily available.
No matter where you buy your alarms or what type they are, be sure
to buy only ones carrying the mark of an organization that tests and
evaluates products.
Any labeled smoke alarm offers protection - whether it's powered
by batteries or household current, whether it's photoelectric or ionization
device.
Be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for installation,
testing and maintenance. This is very important
How Many Do I Need?
According to the accepted Standard on Household Fire Warning Equipment
(NFPA 74), minimum protection requires smoke alarms outside each
bedroom and on each additional story of the house. This includes the
basement.
For additional protection, the Fire Chief recommends that you install
alarms inside each bedroom, the dining room, furnace room, utility
room and hallways. If your family sleeps with bedrooms doors closed,
it's especially important to install alarms inside the bedrooms.
Detectors are also recommended for kitchens, attics (finished or unfinished)
and garages. Be sure you can hear alarms from each bedroom.
Where And How Should I Install My Smoke Alarms?
Most smoke alarms can be installed easily. Most operate either on
batteries or household current. A alarm that plugs into a wall outlet
must have a restraining device so that the plug cannot accidentally
be pulled from the wall. Detectors can also be hard-wired into the electrical
system. But never hard-wire a alarm to a circuit that can be turned
off at a wall switch.
Because smoke rises, each alarm should be mounted high on a wall
or on the ceiling to detect the first traces of smoke. For a wall-mounted
unit, the top of the alarm should be 4 to 12 inches from the ceiling.
A ceiling-mounted alarm should be placed at least 4 inches from any
wall In a room with a high pitched ceiling, mount the alarm on or
near the ceiling's highest point.
Most home fires start in living areas - the den, family room or living
room. On a floor with no bedrooms, install the required alarm in
or near the living area. If a stairway leads to an upper story, install
the alarm in the path where smoke would travel up the stairs.
Don't install a alarm near a window, door or air register where
drafts could reduce its sensitivity.
Locate a basement smoke alarm close to the stairway leading to the
floor above. But don't install the alarm at the top of the basement
stairs: dead air space near the door may prevent smoke from reaching
the alarm.
Maintaining Your Smoke Alarms
It's extremely important to test and clean all alarms regularly.
Replace the batteries according to the manufacturer's recommendations
- or at least once a year. Warn everyone in your household to leave
working batteries in smoke alarms - resist temptation to borrow them
for other purposes.
Never paint a smoke alarm. Because cobwebs and dust can impair a
alarm's sensitivity, vacuum your alarms at least once a week to
make sure you're protected.
What Happens When The Fire Alarm Sounds?
Being awakened by a smoke alarm can be a frightening and disorienting
experience even for adults - so plan your escape before it an emergency.
First of all, make sure everyone knows what your smoke alarm sounds
like. So test it in front of the entire family.
Plan at least two ways out from each room - especially the bedrooms.
Agree on a place to meet outside the house or apartment building so
you'll know when everyone is out.
Have everyone rehearse the plan regularly.
In case of a real fire, get out of the house immediately. Once at the
meeting place, have one person go to a neighbours phone to call the
fire department by dialling 911. In addition to telling them your name
and address, tell them if anyone is still in the house.
Fire safety In Your Home Starts Immediately!
In combination with a family escape plan, properly installed and maintained
smoke alarms can save lives in case of fire.
Smoke alarms save lives!
