Sniffing Out The Smoke
Smoke alarms are ordinary and usually unobtrusive devices that many people already have in their homes or apartments. Everyone knows their life-saving potential, but it is very easy to overlook the maintenance and care of smoke detectors. After all, they aren't very exciting, and nobody really thinks his or her home is going to be the one to catch fire. However, knowing and implementing a few pieces of information about the alarms could be a real lifesaver.
Smoke alarms should be placed in every level of the home, basement included. Since many fires start in the wee hours of the night, an alarm should be installed near the sleeping area for the fastest possible waking. They may be obtained from any hardware or general merchandise store. Some fire departments will provide them at no charge. For basic battery-operated smoke alarms, all that is needed for installation is a screwdriver. Some models can simply stick to the ceiling.
To keep the device in working order, the battery should be changed at least once a year. Check the manufacturer's instructions. It is helpful to choose a holiday or special date and do it each year at that time. Many people use Daylight Savings Time for this small chore, and do it along with changing the clocks. Most units have a life span of 8-10 years, and the entire unit should be replaced after this length of time. Writing the purchase date of the detector on it in marker is a good way to remember.
There are two types of smoke detectors: ionization, which can detect a flaming, fast-moving fire more quickly, and photoelectric, which is better for smoldering, smoky fires. It is best to have both types in the home; some models provide dual coverage.
Some final bits of advice: test your alarms once each month with the test button, and when installing, keep in mind the path of steam from the bathroom and the kitchen. This will prevent those false alarms that can cause people to yank the battery out of an alarm in aggravation.
Smoke alarms should be placed in every level of the home, basement included. Since many fires start in the wee hours of the night, an alarm should be installed near the sleeping area for the fastest possible waking. They may be obtained from any hardware or general merchandise store. Some fire departments will provide them at no charge. For basic battery-operated smoke alarms, all that is needed for installation is a screwdriver. Some models can simply stick to the ceiling.
To keep the device in working order, the battery should be changed at least once a year. Check the manufacturer's instructions. It is helpful to choose a holiday or special date and do it each year at that time. Many people use Daylight Savings Time for this small chore, and do it along with changing the clocks. Most units have a life span of 8-10 years, and the entire unit should be replaced after this length of time. Writing the purchase date of the detector on it in marker is a good way to remember.
There are two types of smoke detectors: ionization, which can detect a flaming, fast-moving fire more quickly, and photoelectric, which is better for smoldering, smoky fires. It is best to have both types in the home; some models provide dual coverage.
Some final bits of advice: test your alarms once each month with the test button, and when installing, keep in mind the path of steam from the bathroom and the kitchen. This will prevent those false alarms that can cause people to yank the battery out of an alarm in aggravation.
Labels: fire safety, smoke detectors
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