Smoke Detectors

Keeping Watch While You Sleep

SMOKE DETECTORS - HOW DO THEY WORK?

Most fatal home fires occur at night, while people are asleep. Fires often produce  lethal amounts of smoke and fumes long before flame and heat become apparent. When a smoke detector fills with smoke, it sounds an alarm which is intended to wake people and give them ample time to escape the home safely. Remember, you must have a plan.

There are two types of smoke detectors:

Ionization detectors contain a small amount of radioactive material. When smoke particles enter the detection chamber, they interrupt the flow of electric current that runs between two electrodes, which causes the alarm to sound. Ionization detectors are best at detecting smaller particles of smoke generated by a flaming fire, or heat source.

Photoelectric detectors contain a beam of light and a photocell. When smoke particles enter the detection chamber, they deflect the beam of light onto the pphotocell, causing the alarm to sound. Photoelectric detectors are better at detecting the larger particles of smoke present in smoky, smoldering fires.

The best type of smoke detector is a combination ionization/ photoelectric detector. This type of detector is more expensive (currently about $30); however, the added protection is well worth the extra cost, considering what would cost to replace your home, belongings, or the value of someone’s life. Always purchase a detector that is UL 217 approved. This is the standard for residential fire alarm  warning devices.

WHERE AND HOW SHOULD I INSTALL MY SMOKE DETECTORS?

The minimum number of smoke detectors you should have in your home is one on each level (floor), including the basement. The bedroom level should have at least one detector within 10 feet of the bedroom doors. The main lever should have a smoke detector between the living areas and the stairs to the bedroom level, to protect the route of out the house. It should not be located too close to the kitchen. The basement level should have a smoke detector mounted at the base of the stairs on the ceiling. For the greatest fire safety, we recommend an additional smoke detector inside each bedroom.

Smoke detectors should be mounted on the ceiling or high on a side wall because smoke rises. Since there is “dead air space” at the junction of the ceiling and wall, you should never mount the smoke detector in the area. It should be mounted approximately 4 inches away from the wall.

Smoke detectors should not be installed near vents, ceiling fans, widows or doors as these can create drafts which would prevent the detector from working properly. Smoke detectors are not usually recommended for kitchens, garages, attics, or other unheated spaces because of the potential for false alarms due to cooling, exhaust fumes, or temperature differences.

 Smoke detectors should be installed with the supplied screws and anchors - never with nails or double-sided tape!

HOW DO I MAINTAIN MY SMOKE DETECTORS?

The most important thing to remember is that smoke detectors need power to work properly. This means that you should test your smoke detectors weekly to make sure that they are working. Batteries should be changed twice a year, once when you change your clocks to Daylight Saving Time. Use the old batteries in something that will tell you when they are “dead” - like a transistor radio.

Smoke detectors should also be kept clean and free of dust and cobwebs as these can interfere with the detection chamber’s ability to sense smoke. Vacuum gently around the detector at least twice a year.

If you have hard-wired (electric) smoke detectors, follow the manufacturer’s directions for testing. If you electric smoke detectors are tied into an alarm system, check with the monitoring company for testing procedures.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF THERE IS A FIRE?

·         Be sure everyone in your home knows what the smoke detectors in your home sound like so that they ill recognize them in an emergency.

·         When the alarm goes off, everyone should evacuate the home and go to a pre- arranged meeting place outside, away from the house. Take a head-count to make sure everyone is out of the home.

·         Call 9-1-1 to report the fire to the fire department. Stay on the telephone line until the dispatcher has all the information needed. If you think someone is trapped, tell the dispatcher and tell them where you believe the person is.

·         When firefighters arrive, stay away from the trucks and the area they need to work in. Tell the crew leader where you think anyone is trapped and then keep back so that firefighters can begin a search.

·         Once you are out, STAY OUT. Never go back inside for anything. Firefighters are trained to search in smoke and heat and have the proper equipment to do so.