Cayce
Fire Department
Smoke Detector Guide
Smoke Detectors Save Lives.
Smoke Detector Basic
Rules:
1)
Install at least one smoke detector on each floor of
your house.
2)
Test it once a month.
Just push the button.
3)
Clean it periodically.
Dust may collect on the detector.
4)
Change the battery at least once a year,
preferably twice a year at the daylight savings time transitions.
Installation
-Smoke alarms are
normally installed on the ceiling or high on a wall with the top of the alarm no
closer than 4 inches or farther than 12 inches from the ceiling. Alarms
should be no closer than 3 feet from air vents or returns that may prevent the
smoke from reaching the alarm. Also,
avoid placing detectors near doorways.
-Avoid placing
detectors in kitchens or bathrooms to prevent excessive false activation by
normal smoke from cooking or steam from showers.
This will also reduce the temptation to remove detector batteries due to
the alarm activation causing a nuisance. An
estimated 20% of
-Place at least one
detector on each floor near sleeping areas.
In a one story house with sleeping areas on both ends of the house, two
detectors should be installed.
-The ultimate test
for smoke alarms is their ability to wake you when you are asleep.
You may need to install additional alarms or specialized alarms.
There are alarms that allow a parent to record their voice to assist in
waking children, i.e., “Johnny, wake up there is a fire”.
There are also detectors for the hearing impaired that use bright,
flashing lights or vibrating signals.
Smoke detectors typically have a 10-year life span
and should be replaced periodically.