Questions about Smoke Detectors? Check Here
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Why do I need smoke detectors? Most fire deaths happen at night, while people are asleep. This makes early fire detection and warning especially important. Contrary to popular belief, the smell of smoke may not wake a sleeping person. The poisonous gases and smoke produced by a fire can numb the senses and put you into a deeper sleep.
Inexpensive household smoke detectors sound an alarm, alerting you to a fire. By giving you time to escape, smoke detectors cut your risk of dying in a home fire nearly in half. Smoke detectors save so many lives that most states have laws requiring them in private homes. Arizona is one of these states.
How many smoke detectors do I need or is required? Minimum protection required by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is installing a smoke detector outside each sleeping area, and one on every level of the home, including the basement. On floors without bedrooms, detectors should be installed in or near living areas such as dens, living rooms, or family room.
Be sure everyone sleeping in your home can hear your smoke detectors’ alarms even with bedroom doors closed. If not, or if any residents are hearing- impaired, install additional detectors inside bedrooms. For the hearing impaired, there are smoke detectors that flash a strobe light in addition to sounding an audible alarm.
The NFPA suggests installing additional detectors in hallways, dining rooms, utility rooms and furnace rooms for added protection. Smoke detectors are not recommended for kitchens, bathrooms, or garages – where cooking fumes, steam, or attics and other unheated spaces – where humidity and temperature changes might affect a detector’s operation.
Choosing a Detector? Dozens of brands of smoke detectors are for sale in hardware, department, and discount stores. Make sure the smoke alarm you buy has the seal from an independent testing organization like underwriters laboratories or FM.
Various types of detectors are available. While older models run on batteries or on the household current, today’s smoke detectors can use both, but this is usually found in major remodeling or new construction. Some detect smoke using an ionization sensor; others use a photoelectric detection system. If properly installed and maintained, all approved smoke detectors will offer adequate protection.
- Ionization Smoke Detectors- These units detect the fire’s visible and invisible smoke particles. Smoke reduces the electric current within the unit, which in turn starts the alarm.
- Photoelectric Smoke Detector- These units also detect smoke particles, but only those large enough to be “seen” by the unit. Within the detectors the beam of light’s path is blocked by the smoke.
Both types of smoke detector provides you with an early warning of fire.
Some units include ionization and photoelectric detection along with the smoke detector. These should improve detector reliability by reducing false alarms.
Why do I get false alarms? A smoke detector false alarm can be initiated by small dirt particles, smoke from cooking, placement to close to flourescent lighting fixtures, and dust or temperature extremes. These may be present in garages, kitchens and attics. Fresh paint fumes can get heavy enough to cause a false alarm, so air out freshly painted rooms. Steam from bathrooms can also cause a false alarm.
Where do I install smoke detectors? Because smoke rises, mount detectors high on a wall or on the ceiling. Wall-mounted units should be hung 6 to 12 inches from the ceiling. Celing-mounted detectors should be installed at least 6 inches away from the nearest wall. In rooms with pitched ceilings, mount the detector at or near the ceilings highest point. Whether you install the detector on the ceiling or on the wall, it should not be placed within 6 inches of where the ceiling and wall meet. This is a “dead air” space that gets little air circulation. Instructions for installation and placement should accompany the unit. Follow these instructions precisely.
How do I test the smoke detector? All smoke detectors are required to have a test button installed on them; this test button checks all functions of the smoke detector. Most smoke detectors have test buttons, if yours does not then you should replace it with a model that does. Every 30 days this test should be done.
When do I replace the smoke detector battery? Since batteries weaken with age, they must be checked and replace at regular intervals (usually every 9-12 months). On battery powered units listed by UL or FM a beeping sound will be generated when the battery needs replacing (this usually occurs when you are trying to sleep). If your detector has dead batteries in it, it is like having no detector at all. Some of the newer smoke detectors have come with batteries than can power them for up to ten years.
When do I replace the Smoke detector? Studies show that untested smoke detectors lose about half of their dependability after a 5 to 7 year period. Smoke detectors should be replaced about 8 to 10 years. Several recommendations can be found by reading the manufacturers instructions.
Do I clean my smoke detector? Yes! -Your detectors sensitivity can be affected by dust. Most units need to be cleaned at least once a year, just use your vacuum cleaner to clean dust out of unit. Read the manufacturers instructions manual.
Actions To Take When The Detector Sounds!!
Your familiy.
- Everyone should be familiar with the sound of the detector’s alarm.
- Plan escape routes. Know at least two ways out of each room. Agree on a meeting place outside your home where all residents will gather after they escape.
- Practice your escape plan at least twice a year, and teach every member of your household these survival techniques.
- Crawl Low Under Smoke. Crawl to the nearest safe exit on your hands and knees if you must escape through a smoke filled area. Smoke and poisonous gases rise. Keep your head 12 to 24 inches above floor.
- If your clothing catches fire, stop, drop to the ground, and roll. If your clothes catch fire, stop, don’t run. Drop to the ground, cover your face with your hands, and roll over and over to smother the flames.
- Once the alarm sounds, exit the building as quickly as possible and go to your meeting place. Then call the fire department from a neighbor’s phone.
- Once you’re out, stay out. Once outside a burning building, do not reenter.
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