What
You Need to Know
The
Impact of Smoke Alarms
In
the 1960's, the average U. S. citizen had never heard of a
smoke alarm. By 1995, an estimated 93 percent of all American
homes - single - and multi- family, apartments, nursing homes,
dormitories, etc. - were equipped with alarms. By the mid
1980's, smoke alarm laws, requiring that alarms be placed in
all new and existing residences - existed in 38 states and
thousands of municipalities nationwide. And smoke alarm
provisions have been adopted by all of the model building code
organizations.
Fire
services across the country have played a major and
influential public education role in alerting the public to
the benefits of smoke alarms. Another key factor in this huge
and rapid penetration of both the marketplace and the builder
community has been the development and marketing of low cost
alarms by commercial companies. In the early 1970's, the cost
of protecting a three bedroom home with professionally
installed alarms was approximately $l000; today the cost of
owner-installed alarms in the same house has come down to as
little as $10 per alarm, or less than $50 for the entire home.
This cost structure, combined with effective public education
(including key private-public partnerships), has caused a huge
percentage of America's consumers, whether they are renting or
buying, to demand smoke alarm protection. The impact of smoke
alarms on fire safety and protection is dramatic and can be
simply stated. When fire breaks out, the smoke alarm,
functioning as an early warning system, reduces the risk of
dying by nearly 50 percent. Alarms are most people's first
line of defense against fire.
In
the event of a fire, properly installed and maintained smoke
alarms will provide an early warning signal to your household.
This alarm could save your own life and those of your loved
ones by providing the chance to escape.
Why
should my home have smoke alarms?
In
the event of a fire, a smoke alarm can save your life and
those of your loved ones. They are the single most important
means of preventing house and apartment fire fatalities by
providing an early warning signal -- so you and your family
can escape. Smoke alarms are one of the best safety features
you can buy and install to protect yourself, your family and
your home.
Okay,
where do I put them?
Install
smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the
basement. Many fatal fires begin late at night or in the early
morning. For extra safety, install smoke alarms both inside
and outside the sleeping area.
Also,
smoke alarms should be installed on the ceiling or 6 to 8
inches below the ceiling on side walls. Since smoke and many
deadly gases rise, installing your smoke alarms at the proper
level will provide you with the earliest warning possible.
Always follow the manufacturer's installation instructions.
Where
would I get smoke alarms?
Many
hardware, home supply or general merchandise stores carry
smoke alarms. Make sure the alarm you buy is UL-listed. If you
are unsure where to buy one in your community, call your local
fire department (on a non-emergency telephone number) and they
will provide you with some suggestions. Some fire departments
offer smoke alarms for little or no cost.
Are
smoke alarms hard to install?
Not
a bit. In most cases, all you will need is a screwdriver. Many
brands are self-adhesive and will automatically stick to the
wall or ceiling where they are placed. However, be sure to
follow the directions from the manufacturer because each brand
is different. If you are uncomfortable standing on a ladder,
ask a relative or friend for help. Some fire departments will
actually install a smoke alarm in your home for you. Call your
local fire department (again, on a non-emergency telephone
number) if you have problems installing a smoke alarm.
How
do I keep my smoke alarms working?
Smoke
alarms are very easy to take care of. There are two steps to
remember.
- Simply
replace the batteries at least once a year.
Tip: Pick a holiday or your birthday and
replace the batteries each year on that day. Some smoke
alarms now on the market come with a ten-year battery.
These alarms are designed to be replaced as a whole unit,
thus avoiding the need for battery replacement. If your
smoke alarm starts making a "chirping" noise,
replace the batteries and reset it.
- Keep
them clean. Dust and debris can interfere with their
operation, so vacuum over and around your smoke alarm
regularly.
What
if the alarm goes off while I'm cooking?
Then
it's doing its job. Do not disable your smoke alarm if it
alarms due to cooking or other non-fire causes. You may not
remember to put the batteries back in the alarm after cooking.
Instead, clear the air by waving a towel near the alarm,
leaving the batteries in place. The alarm may have to be moved
to a new location.
How
long will my smoke alarm last?
About
eight-to-ten years, after which it should be replaced. Like
most electrical devices, smoke alarms wear out. You may want
to write the purchase date with a marker on the inside of your
unit. That way, you'll know when to replace it. Always follow
the manufacturer's instructions for replacement.
Anything
else I should know?
Some
smoke alarms are considered to be "hard wired." This
means they are connected to the household electrical system
and may or may not have battery back-up. It's important to
test every smoke alarm monthly. And always use new batteries
when replacing old ones.
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