Smoke Alarms

What do the recent fire tragedies in South Plainfield and the Christmas Day fire in Stamford Connecticut have in common besides 5 people dying in each? No working smoke alarms. Having a WORKING smoke alarm cuts the chances of dying in a reported fire in HALF!

Almost two thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no workings smoke alarms.

Smoke alarm tips:

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement.
• An ionization smoke alarm is generally more responsive to flaming fires, and a photoelectric smoke alarm is generally more responsive to smoldering fires. For the best protection, both types of alarms or a combination alarm should be installed in homes.
• Test alarms at least monthly by pushing the test button.
• Smoke rises; install smoke alarms following manufacturer’s instructions high on wall or on a ceiling. Save manufacturer’s instructions for testing and maintenance.
• Replace batteries in smoke alarms when you change your clocks.
• It is recommended to replace smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.
• If cooking fumes or steam sets off nuisance alarms, replace the alarm with an alarm that has a “hush” button. A “hush” button will reduce alarms
  sensitivity for a short period of time.
• Smoke alarms that include a recordable voice announcement in addition to the usual alarm sound, may be helpful in waking children through the use of a familiar voice.
• Smoke alarms are available for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. These devices use strobe lights and vibration devices.
• For best protection, “interconnect” all smoke alarms so when one sounds they all sound.  Wireless “interconnect” alarms are now available.

Smoke alarms are an important part of a Home Escape Plan. I will discuss escape plans in the next article.

For more information on smoke alarms go to www.nfpa.org or feel free to call me at: Cranford Fire Department 908-276-0146

Please test your smoke alarms today.