SMOKE ALARM WARNING
Check your smoke alarm, if it is an
‘ionization only’ type it may not alert you to a
smoldering type fire.
The Sedgwick County Fire Department feels it is
imperative that you confirm that you have an ionization and photoelectric
type alarm on each level of your home.
You may also obtain a combination smoke alarm that
includes both types of detection.
Smoldering type fires are known to cause a large
percentage of fire deaths in this country. A smoldering fire is one
that has not broken into flames yet but is creating smoke that can kill.
Check the box it came in or check the unit itself and
it may say ionization, photoelectric, or it may say both on the alarm. If it
has both marked on the alarm you have the proper protection. If you cannot
determine what type it is we recommend you change it out immediately with a
combination ionization/photoelectric smoke and fire alarm.
Please check now and make the necessary changes
immediately!
Other smoke alarm
safety:
-
Change your batteries twice a
year, typically during time change.
-
Check your alarm once a month
to confirm it is working.
-
Smoke alarms are considered
good for a maximum of 10 years; if you don’t know
how old it is or if it is approaching the 10 year
mark it is imperative that you change it out with a
combination ionization/photoelectric alarm.
-
Every home should also have a
carbon monoxide detector.
-
If you use propane you should
have a propane detector placed in your home per
manufacturers instruction.
For any further questions contact your local Fire
Department.
The Sedgwick County Fire District #1 has an active
community program to make sure all residents comply with state law and local
ordinances. The state law requires all residences to have smoke alarms. You
must have a smoke alarm installed within 15 feet of the sleeping area in
your home. The department also suggests additional smoke alarms for each
level of your home. Smoke alarm installation for senior citizens is
available.
How Old Are Your Smoke Alarms?
Do you remember when you installed your
smoke alarms? How old are the smoke alarms already installed when you moved
in? If you are not sure how old they are, it’s best to replace them.
Install Smoke Alarms
Install smoke alarms on each level of your
home.
-
In every bedroom
-
In corridors outside the
bedrooms
-
Above stairwells
Every home should have at least two smoke
alarms. The larger your home, the more smoke alarms you must install for
adequate protection. For best performance, follow these installation
guidelines:
-
Mount smoke alarms in the middle
of the ceiling if possible. If not, mount them on a wall at least three feet
from any corner, and four to six inches from the ceiling.
-
Do not install smoke alarms
where drafts from fans or air ducts can reach them. The moving air can blow
smoke away from the alarm’s sensor.
-
To avoid nuisance alarms (like
those caused by cooking smoke), keep smoke alarms at least ten feet from
stoves and steamy showers.
Still a Major Problem
Although 13 of every 14 homes have at least one smoke alarm, almost
half of home fires and three-fifths of fire deaths occur in the share of
homes with no alarms. Thousands of people still die each year in home
fires where smoke alarms aren't present.
In addition, there are now more homes with smoke alarms that don't
work than homes without alarms at all. These poorly maintained units
create a false sense of security among occupants. Approximately one-third of
homes with smoke alarms that experience fires have smoke alarms that
aren't working, and hundreds of people die each year in these fires.
Tragically, the grave importance of installing and maintaining smoke
alarms has not yet been fully realized. Most people who die in home fires
are not in the room where the fire starts; working smoke alarms alert
people to fire and give them time to escape in a situation where minutes can
mean the difference between life and death.
Caring for Smoke Alarms is Fast and
Easy!
Test smoke alarms at least once a month.
Replace batteries twice a year. It is
recommended that you do this in the spring and fall to coincide with the
changing of the clocks for daylight savings time.
Vacuum the outside cover regularly to
remove dust and dirt particles.
Remember – Smoke alarms that are ten or
more years old should be replaced.
The best type of smoke alarm is an
electrical unit with a battery back-up.
©, Copyright, 2005 Sedgwick County Fire District #1
last update:
01/31/07
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