Notes From Nelson

Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms are a key part of a home fire escape plan. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly.

Smoke alarms should be installed in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home.

There are two kinds of alarms. Ionization smoke alarms are quicker to warn about flaming fires. Photoelectric alarms are quicker to warn about smoldering fires. It is best to use both types of alarms in the home.

For the best protection, smoke alarms should be interconnected, so that when one alarm sounds, they all do. A licensed electrician can do an interconnection by using hard-wired, multiple-station smoke alarms. Wireless interconnection of smoke alarms is also available and can be installed by the homeowner.

Smoke alarms should be installed at least 10 feet from a cooking appliance. Any smoke alarm within 10 to 20 feet of a stationary or fixed cooking appliance should be photoelectric, or must be equipped with a hush feature, which temporarily reduces the alarm's sensitivity for a short period of time.

Smoke alarms should be tested monthly using the test button – everyone in the home should know the sound of the alarm. Save and follow the manufacturer's instructions for testing and maintenance.

Smoke alarms with non-replaceable (long life) batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away. For smoke alarms with any other type of battery, replace batteries at least once a year. If that alarm chirps, replace only the battery. Always follow the smoke alarm manufacturer's instruction regarding battery replacement.

For smoke alarms that are powered only by battery, batteries are required to last at least one year. Annual replacement of the battery for these types of alarms is a good practice.

Replace all smoke alarms, including those that use 10-year batteries and hard wired alarms, when they are 10 years old or sooner if they don't respond properly when tested.

People who are hard-of-hearing or deaf can use special alarms. These alarms have strobe lights and bed shakers.

When selecting smoke alarms for use in the home, always choose equipment that has the label of a recognized testing laboratory.

Make sure everyone in your home understands and reacts to the signal (sound, light, or vibration) used in the home. Stage and talk through a fire drill with all family members and discuss where to safely gather once outside the home so everyone can be quickly accounted for.

For more information on fire safety go to: http://www.nfpa.org/education