SERVPRO of The Hill Country Smoke Alarm Information

5/4/2016 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms play a vital role in saving lives, and when properly installed, can reduce the risk of fire injury in half.*

The National Fire Protection Association recommends smoke alarms be installed in every bedroom, outside all sleeping quarters and on every level of the house.  Business owners should consult the local Fire Marshall to ensure specific building fire codes and smoke detector requirements are met.

Smoke alarms work best when paired with a fire escape plan.  A plan allows your family, employees or clients to escape quickly and safely in an emergency situation.

Review the following tips regarding smoke detector installation and maintenance.  For more on emergency preparedness, contact SERVPRO of The Hill Country:

• Install smoke alarms on every level of the home, including the basement.
• Smoke alarms should be installed away from the kitchen to prevent false alarms.  Generally, they should be at least 10 feet from a cooking appliance.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button.
• Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year.  If an alarm "chirp," the battery is low and should be replaced right away.  We recommend changing the batteries when daylight savings time begins and when daylight savings time ends.
• All smoke alarms should be replaced when they are 10 years old.
• An ionization smoke alarm is generally more responsive to flaming fires, and a photoelectric smoke alarm is generally more responsive to smoldering fires. For the best protection, both types of alarms or a combination alarm (photoelectric and ionization) should be installed in homes.
• Smoke rises; install smoke alarms following manufacturer's instructions high on a wall or on a ceiling. Save manufacturer's instructions for testing and maintenance.
• Alarms that are hard-wired (and include battery backup) must be installed by a qualified electrician.

*Tips and statistics provided by the National Fire Protection Association