Home fires are a serious threat to your family’s safety. Every year in the United States, approximately 5,000 people are killed in residential fires and more than 40,000 are injured.

Most fire victims suffer from smoke and toxic gases, not as a result of burns. Most deaths and injuries happen at night while the victims are sleeping.

When properly installed and maintained, the home smoke detector is considered one of the best, least expensive means of providing early warning of a fire.

There is no doubt about it—smoke detectors save lives, prevent injuries and minimize property damage by enabling residents to detect fires early.

TYPES OF DETECTORS AND HOW THEY WORK

The ionization chamber smoke detector has a small radiation source that produces radioactive material (electrically charged particles called ions), which cause a small electrical current to flow into a chamber. Smoke particles entering the chamber attach themselves to the ions, reducing the electrical flow. The change in current sets off the alarm.

Photoelectric detectors use either an incandescent light bulb or a light emitting diode (LED) to send a beam of light. When smoke enters the detector, light from the beam is reflected from the smoke particles into a photocell sensor and the alarm is triggered.

WHICH SMOKE DETECTOR IS BETTER?

The State Fire Marshal of California, as well as nationally recognized testing agencies, approves both types of detectors. Ionizing detectors respond slightly faster to flaming fires while photoelectric detectors respond faster to smoldering fires. Ideally, a home should be protected by at least one of each. If you can afford only one type, a photoelectric detector is recommended.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Detectors should be installed either on the ceiling or on walls between 6 and 12 inches below the ceiling.

Detectors should be located in each sleeping area, and between bedrooms.

In multi-story homes, detectors should be located on each story of the living area. Basement-level smoke detectors should be installed in or near basement stairways in the basement, not at the top of the stairs.

Do not place detectors closer than six inches of where walls and ceilings meet or near heating and cooling ducts. A detector placed in these areas may not get the required air flow to activate.

To avoid nuisance alarms place detectors:

•Away from furnace or air conditioner vents

•Away from bathrooms to avoid steam

•Away from a cooking area or fireplace

MAINTENANCE

Battery operated smoke detectors should have the battery replaced annually or when a low warning signal or chirping occurs.

It is important to use the exact make and model of battery recommended by the detector’s manufacturer.

Accumulation of dust, dirt and insects can cause a false alarm. Keep the detector clean by vacuuming around its exterior.

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