Fire Prevention
The National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA) estimates more than 94 percent of
North American homes have at least one smoke
alarm. But consider this fact: There are
more homes with smoke alarms that don't
work, than homes without any alarms. These
poorly maintained units create a false sense
of security for residents.
WORKING Smoke
Alarms Save Lives
By properly selecting, placing, testing, and
maintaining your smoke alarm, you will greatly increase your chances
of surviving a home fire. Smoke alarms should be tested once a week,
and the batteries should be changed twice a year. Remember,
when you change your clock change your smoke detector battery.
Also, all smoke detectors should be replaced with a new one when
they reach ten (10) years of age. After ten (10) years they
start to loose their sensitivity and might not be providing the
proper protection for you and your family.
Alarm Selection
When you go to the store, you'll find there
are many different types of alarms on the market.
There are standard battery-operated alarms, 10-year battery-operated
alarms, and others that operate on the home's electrical system.
Building codes and local requirements often dictate the type of
power that will be required to operate smoke alarms. There are also
special alarms for people with hearing impairments. These have both
an audible alarm and intense flashing lights. No matter what type of
alarm you purchase, make sure it is listed or approved by an
independent testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories
(UL) or the Canadian Standards Association (CSA).
One? Two? Three?
More?
Beyond the type of smoke detector, where it is
placed is just as important as the type of smoke detector and how it
is powered. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Life
Safety Code 101 should be followed. Most codes require a minimum of
one smoke alarm on every level, including basements, and within 10
feet of each sleeping area. If the door to the sleeping area is kept
closed, it is also recommended that a smoke detector be placed
inside the bedroom. In new construction, the code requires
hard-wired smoke alarms to be interconnected. This means that if one
smoke alarm is activated, all alarms will sound. New construction
also requires a smoke alarm be installed in each bedroom.
Put ‘em Up
Installing a smoke alarm is simple. A
screwdriver and a drill are all you need to install a
battery-operated alarm. Other alarms can also be hardwired directly
into your home' electrical system. Hardwire installation should be
done by a qualified electrician. Be sure to never connect an alarm
to a circuit that can be turned off by a wall switch. Hard-wired
systems should also be provided with a battery back up. Always
follow the manufacturer's installation instruction. Wall-mounted
alarms should be installed so the top is 6 to 12 inches (15-30 cm)
from the ceiling. Ceiling-mounted units should be installed at least
6 inches (15 cm) from any wall. If a room has a vaulted ceiling,
mount the alarm about 12 inches from the ceiling's highest point. In
stairways with no doors at the top or bottom, position alarms in the
path smoke would follow up the stairwell. Mount alarms at the bottom
of closed stairways, such as those leading to a basement. Dead air
trapped near the door at the top of a stairway could prevent smoke
from reaching an alarm located at the top. Don't install an alarm
too close to windows, doors, forced-air registers, or ceiling fans
where drafts could interfere with the detector's operation.
If you have questions about the best places to
install alarms, contact your local fire department for advice. Many
departments will conduct home smoke alarm inspections for free or
for a nominal fee. The Cedar Hill Fire Protection will help families
in need with our smoke detector program. Contact Station #1
for more information.
