SMOKE DETECTORS

Smoke is responsible for three out of four deaths.

• Install smoke detectors on every level of your home and outside of sleeping areas.
• Test every detector at least once a month. [See your instruction book for the location of the test button.]
• Keep smoke detectors dust free. Replace batteries with new ones at least 2x's a year(when we change the clocks in the spring and fall), or sooner if the detector makes a chirping sound.
• If you have a smoke detector directly wired into your electrical system, be sure that the little signal light is blinking periodically. This tells you that the alarm is active.
• Inexpensive smoke detectors are available for the hearing impaired.

The NFPA recommends smoke alarms be installed in EVERY room and area of your home or building for complete protection.
All smoke alarms should be replaced after 10 years of operation.

Consumer's should consult their owner's manual for specific instructions when locating a smoke alarm. The following are some general guidelines:

Because smoke rises, smoke alarms should be installed on the ceiling or on walls at least 4 to 6 inches below the ceiling.

Smoke alarms should not be located less than 4 to 6 inches from where the wall and ceiling meet on either surface; this space is dead air that receives little circulation.

Smoke alarms should not be mounted in front of an air supply, return duct, near ceiling fans, peaks of A-frame ceilings, dusty areas, locations outside the 40 degree to 100 degree temperature range, in humid areas or near fluorescent lighting.