FIRE SAFETY WHILE YOU SLEEP

Do smoke detectors really save lives?

Most fatal home fires occur at night, when you are asleep. Poisonous gases and smoke from the fire in your home dull the senses in a very short time. Every home needs a device that can wake people up in time to escape from a fire. Of all of the fire alarm devices out on the street, the smoke detector is the most reliable device for your home.

How to choose a smoke detector

There are dozens of reputable brands of smoke detectors readily available. No matter where you purchase your smoke detector or what type they are, be sure they have the seal of approval from an organization that tests and evaluates products.

Any labeled smoke detector will offer protection, weather its powered by batteries or hard wired into your home electrical system, however remember if you have a smoke detector that is hard wired into your homes electrical system, if the power goes out, your detector won't work.

It is always best to have a battery back up to any smoke detector that is hard wired to your homes electrical system.
When installing your detector, be sure to follow the manufacturer recommendations for installation, testing and maintenance. This is very important.

How many smoke detectors do I need?

According to the accepted Standard on Household Fire Warning Equipment, (NFPA 74) minimum protection requires smoke detectors outside each bedroom and on each additional story of the house. This includes the basement.

For additional fire protection, it is recommended that you install smoke detectors in each bedroom, the dining room, furnace room, utility room and hallways. If your family sleeps with bedroom doors shut, it's especially important to install detectors inside the bedrooms. Detectors are also recommended for the kitchen, attic (furnished or unfurnished) and the garage. Be sure you can hear the detectors from each bedroom.

Where and how should I install my smoke detector?

Most smoke detectors can be installed easily. Most operate on either batteries or household current. A detector that plugs into the wall outlet must have a restraining device so that the plug cannot accidentally be pulled from the wall. Detectors can also be hard wired into the electrical system. Never hard wire a smoke detector to a circuit that can be turned on and off from a wall switch. And remember that if you use a smoke detector that is powered only from household current, it won't work if the power goes out.

Because smoke and heat rises, each detector should be mounted high on the wall or on the ceiling to detect the first traces of smoke and heat from a fire. For a wall mounted unit, the top of the detector should be 4 to 12 inches from the ceiling. A ceiling mounted detector should be placed at least 4 inches away from any wall in the room. If you are in a home that has a high-pitched ceiling, try to mount the detector at the highest point possible.

Most house fires start in the living areas, the den, family room or living room. On a floor with no bedrooms, install the required detector in or near the living area. If a stairway leads to an upper story, install the detector in the path where smoke would travel up the stairs.

**Remember**

Don't install a smoke detector near a window, door, heating, or air register where drafts could reduce the sensitivity of your smoke detector.

Maintaining your smoke detector

It is extremely important to test and clean all smoke detectors on a regular basis.

Replace the batteries according to the manufacturer's recommendations, or at least once every 6 months. It's easy to remember to change your detector batteries, do it when you set your clocks ahead an hour or back an hour.

Always remember that your detector needs a new battery to work. Resist temptation to "borrow" a battery from a detector to use it in something else.

Never paint a detector. When you vacuum your house, run the extension hose over your detector to clear away any cobwebs and dust. Try to do this once a week to make sure that you are protected.

What happens when the fire alarm sounds?

Being awakened by a smoke detector can be a frightening and disorienting experience for all those involved. Be sure to plan your fire escape before it is an emergency. First, make sure everyone knows what the smoke detector in your house sounds like. Be sure to test the detector in front of your entire family.

Plan at least two ways out from each room, especially in the bedrooms. Agree on a place to meet outside the house or apartment building so you will know when everyone is out. Have everyone rehearse the plan regularly.

In case of a real fire, get out of the house immediately, don't try to gather personal belongings or pets, chances are the pet will beat you to the door. Once you are outside and at the meeting place, check to see if everyone is outside and then send someone to call 911. In addition to telling them your name and address, tell them if anyone is still inside the house.

Fire safety in your home starts immediately!

In combination with a family escape plan, properly installed and maintained smoke detectors can save lives in case of a fire.