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Smoke Alarms
Smoke Alarms Save Lives!
The majority of home fires that kill people happen at night. If you're
asleep, the smell of smoke won't always wake you up. In fact, inhaling
the smoke and gases generated by a fire, actually put you into a deeper
sleep. Most deaths occur from this exposure, not exposure to the flames
of a fire.
Inexpensive home smoke alarms can wake you in time to
escape, cutting your chances of dying nearly in half. Smoke alarms do
save lives, and are now required by law in private homes.
Smoke Alarm Designs
There are two types of alarms - Ionization and Photo-Electric.
Ionization - These contain a tiny amount of radioactive material that
ionizes the air, making an electrical path. When smoke enters, they cause
a change in the electric current flow that triggers the alarm.
Photo-Electric - These contain a light source, and a photocell that is
activated by light. Light from the bulb reflects off the smoke particles
and is directed toward the photocell, activating the alarm.
Either design is fast enough to provide sufficient warning
to escape from a fire. Be sure the alarm you buy carries the label of
an independent testing lab. If installed and maintained properly, all
will protect you.
Installation and Care
Smoke rises, so mount alarms high on a wall (within 4 to 12 inches of
the ceiling or on the ceiling itself.
Install alarms according to manufacturer's instructions.
Place an alarm on every floor of your home, including the basement, and
outside each sleeping area. If someone sleeps with the door closed, install
an alarm inside the room.
Be sure everyone sleeping in the home can hear your alarms. If someone
is hearing impaired, alarms are also available that can activate flashing
strobe lights.
Don't install an alarm near a door, window, or forced-air register where
drafts could interfere with its operation.
Don't install a conventional alarm in a kitchen or garage. Cooking fumes
or vehicle exhausts can set off false alarms. Use alarms specifically
designed for these areas if coverage is needed.
Clean dirt and cobwebs from your alarms monthly using a vacuum. Dirt reduces
the alarm's sensitivity.
Use the test button to test your alarms once a month
If you have battery operated alarms, change your batteries twice a year.
Best rule of thumb - "Change your batteries when you change your
clocks"!
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