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The
Impact of Smoke Alarms
In the 1960's, the average U. S. citizen had never heard of a smoke
alarm. By 1995, an estimated 93 percent of all American homes - single
- and multi- family, apartments, nursing homes, dormitories, etc.
- were equipped with alarms. By the mid 1980's, smoke alarm laws,
requiring that alarms be placed in all new and existing residences
- existed in 38 states and thousands of municipalities nationwide.
And smoke alarm provisions have been adopted by all of the model
building code organizations.
Fire services across the country have played a major and influential
public education role in alerting the public to the benefits of smoke
alarms. Another key factor in this huge and rapid penetration of
both the marketplace and the builder community has been the development
and marketing of low cost alarms by commercial companies. In the
early 1970's, the cost of protecting a three bedroom home with professionally
installed alarms was approximately $l000; today the cost of owner-installed
alarms in the same house has come down to as little as $10 per alarm,
or less than $50 for the entire home. This cost structure, combined
with effective public education (including key private-public partnerships),
has caused a huge percentage of America's consumers, whether they
are renting or buying, to demand smoke alarm protection. The impact
of smoke alarms on fire safety and protection is dramatic and can
be simply stated. When fire breaks out, the smoke alarm, functioning
as an early warning system, reduces the risk of dying by nearly 50
percent. Alarms are most people's first line of defense against fire.
In the event of a fire, properly installed and maintained smoke
alarms will provide an early warning signal to your household. This
alarm could save your own life and those of your loved ones by providing
the chance to escape.
Why should my home have smoke alarms?
Okay, where do I put them?
Where would I get smoke alarms?
Are smoke alarms hard to install?
How do I keep my smoke alarms working?
What if the alarm goes off while I'm cooking?
How long will my smoke alarm last?
Anything else I should know?
Why should my home have smoke alarms?
In
the event of a fire, a smoke alarm can save your life and those of
your loved ones. They are the single most important means of preventing
house and apartment fire fatalities by providing an early warning
signal -- so you and your family can escape. Smoke alarms are one
of the best safety features you can buy and install to protect yourself,
your family and your home.
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Okay, where do I put them?
Install
smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement.
Many fatal fires begin late at night or in the early morning. For
extra safety, install smoke alarms both inside and outside the sleeping
area.
Also, smoke alarms should be installed on the ceiling or 6 to 8
inches below the ceiling on sidewalls. Since smoke and many deadly
gases rise, installing your smoke alarms at the proper level will
provide you with the earliest warning possible. Always follow the
manufacturer's installation instructions.
[back to FAQs]
Where would I get smoke alarms?
Many
hardware, home supply or general merchandise stores carry smoke alarms.
Make sure the alarm you buy is UL-listed. If you are unsure where
to buy one in your community, call your local fire department (on
a non-emergency telephone number) and they will provide you with
some suggestions. Some fire departments offer smoke alarms for little
or no cost.
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Are smoke alarms hard to install?
Not
a bit. In most cases, all you will need is a screwdriver. Many brands
are self-adhesive and will automatically stick to the wall or ceiling
where they are placed. However, be sure to follow the directions
from the manufacturer because each brand is different. If you are
uncomfortable standing on a ladder, ask a relative or friend for
help. Some fire departments will actually install a smoke alarm in
your home for you. Call your local fire department (again, on a non-emergency
telephone number) if you have problems installing a smoke alarm.
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How do I keep my smoke alarms working?
Smoke
alarms are very easy to take care of. There are two steps to remember.
Simply replace the batteries at least once a year.
Tip: Pick a holiday or your birthday and replace the batteries
each year on that day. Some smoke alarms now on the market come with
a ten-year battery. These alarms are designed to be replaced as a
whole unit, thus avoiding the need for battery replacement. If your
smoke alarm starts making a "chirping" noise, replace the
batteries and reset it.
Keep them clean. Dust and debris can interfere with their operation,
so vacuum over and around your smoke alarm regularly.
[back to FAQs]
What if the alarm goes off while
I'm cooking?
Then it's doing its job. Do not disable your
smoke alarm if it alarms due to cooking or other non-fire causes.
You may not remember to put the batteries back in the alarm after
cooking. Instead, clear the air by waving a towel near the alarm,
leaving the batteries in place. The alarm may have to be moved
to a new location.
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How long will my smoke alarm last?
About
eight-to-ten years, after which it should be replaced. Like most
electrical devices, smoke alarms wear out. You may want to write
the purchase date with a marker on the inside of your unit. That
way, you'll know when to replace it. Always follow the manufacturer's
instructions for replacement.
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Anything else I should know?
Some
smoke alarms are considered to be "hard wired." This
means they are connected to the household electrical system and may
or may not have battery back-up. It's important to test every smoke
alarm monthly. And always use new batteries when replacing old ones.
[back to FAQs]
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