smoke alarms

Smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries.  If there is a fire in your home, smoke spreads fast and you need smoke alarms to give you time to get out.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire.  Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area.  Install alarms on every level of the home.  Install alarms in the basement.
• Smoke alarms should be interconnected.  When one sounds, they all sound.
• Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
• Test your smoke alarms at least once a month.  Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
• Today's smoke alarms will be more technologically advanced to respond to a multitude of fire conditions, yet mitigate false alarms.
• A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall.  Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms.  They should be at least 10 feet from the stove.
• There are two kinds of alarms: (1) Ionization smoke alarms are quicker to warn about flaming fires; (2) Photoelectric alarms are quicker to warn about smoldering fires.  It is best to use both types of alarms in the home.
• People who are hard of hearing or deaf can use special alarms.  These alarms have strobe lights and bed shakers.
• When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside.
• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.
• Smoke alarms are an important part of a home fire escape plan.

Download a free safety tip sheet from NFPA.