Fire Prevention Week 2011 - Smoke Detectorsthefiretalk.com

Day 3 of Fire Prevention Week. Make sure to stop by as we’ll be posting tips everyday during National Fire Prevention week. Today we’re going to focus on smoke detectors.

Did you know that nearly 2/3 of all home fire fatalities occur in home with either no smoke detectors or non-working smoke detectors? Working smoke alarms have been documented to cut the fatality rate by 50%.

Provide smoke detectors in all bedrooms, outside the bedrooms, on all levels of the home, kitchen, attic space, basement, and any other living areas. Larger homes may require additional detection.

If possible connect all smoke detectors together, so if one detector goes off the other detectors will simultaneously operate.

There are various types of smoke detectors on the market; photoelectric, ionization, and combination. Photoelectric smoke detectors respond better to smoldering (slow burning,low flame) fires. Ionization smoke detectors respond better to flaming fires. Combination detectors provide both photoelectric and ionization response. The best protection would be to have combination detectors that respond to multiple scenarios.

Test and replace batteries in all smoke detectors at least once a year. Smoke detectors giving a chirping noise frequently, are a sign that batteries need to be replaced as soon as possible.

Make sure detectors are installed on the ceiling or high on the walls in accordance with manufacturer specifications.

Smoke detectors that are 10 yrs. old or not operating correctly during testing, should be replaced.

Special alarm systems with strobe lights and vibration are available for the deaf and people with hearing problems. If you have family members in the home with these issues, special alarms should be provided.

Share and Enjoy: