Smoke Detectors Save Lives (FAQ'S)

 

A smoke detector must be installed in every dwelling unit of a triplex, apartment complex, hotel or motel, stock co-operative, and timeshare project.


This also includes single-family dwellings and factory-built housing if:

  1. It was sold after January 1, 1986.
  2. Approved improvements were made after January 1, 1985, which exceed $1,000.

Used manufactured homes, used mobile homes, and used commercial coaches that were sold after January 1, 1986, also must have an operable smoke detector installed on the date of transfer of title.

 

Why do we need smoke detectors?

Smoke detectors can save your life--and your family. Most fatal home fires occur at night, while people sleep. Fire produces toxic gases and smoke that actually numb the senses. If you're asleep, or become disoriented by toxic gases, you may not even realize that there is a fire. You can't rely on your own senses to detect a fire.

Is there proof that smoke detectors save lives?
Yes. Almost every day, news reports across the country tell of cases where smoke detectors have saved lives. In several instances, the detectors weren't even installed, yet alerted families to fire. Fire officials continually cite smoke detectors as lifesavers in home fires.

What about the conflicting claims concerning the two types of smoke detectors --Ionization and Photoelectric? Which smoke detector is better?
Both types are approved by the California State Fire Marshal and by nationally recognized testing laboratories. Ionization models respond slightly faster to open flaming fires while photoelectric models respond faster to smoldering fires. Ideally a home should be protected by at least one of each. If you can afford just one detector, a photoelectric is recommended.

Photoelectric smoke detectors use either an incandescent light bulb or a light-emitting diode (LED) to send forth 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.

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

Do I need a heat detector too?
Heat detectors are no substitute for smoke detectors. They set off an alarm in response to heat only. They do add protection and can be helpful in basements, kitchens, attics and garages. For life safety, be sure your home is protected by a smoke detector.

Installations

Types of Installation

Hardwire Operated
Hardwiring supplies power to the detector from the building's main electrical source and requires electrical expertise to install.

Battery Operated
Battery powered detectors come with instructions for easy mounting. In about a year the detector will begin to emit "beeps" every minute or so, and will keep this up for a week or longer. This tells the owner that the battery has begun to fall below the safe minimum of power and should be replaced.


Location of Installation

Detector should be placed on ceiling or on the wall 6 to 12 inches from the ceiling.

Homes with one sleeping area:

·        Detector should be place centrally located between the beds.


Homes with more than one sleeping area:

·        Detectors should be located in each sleeping area.


Multi-story homes:

·        Detectors should be located on each story of the family living area.

·        Basement level smoke detector should be installed in or near basement, not at the top of the stairs.


To avoid nuisance alarms place detectors:

·        Away from furnace or air conditioner vents.

·        Away from bathroom to avoid steam.

·        Away from cooking area and fireplace.


If a nuisance alarm persists:

·        Move detector a few inches in either direction.

·        Switch type of detector - i.e., Ionization to Photoelectric.

·        Contact your local fire department.


Where not to place detectors:

·        Detectors should not be placed within 6 inches of where walls and ceilings meet, or near heating and cooling ducts. A detector placed in these areas may not receive the flow of smoke required to activate.

 

Maintenance

It is extremely important to regularly test and clean all detectors.

·        Replace the batteries in battery-operated units once a year or in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.

·        Teach everyone in your house to leave working batteries in smoke detectors and not to use them elsewhere.

·        They should not be painted.

·        To test and clean a detector, follow the manufacturer's instructions.

·        Cobwebs and dust can impair a detector's sensitivity; most units should be vacuumed at least once a year.

What should I do if my alarm sounds?

·        A smoke detector in working condition will usually give you at least 3 minutes to evacuate the house.

·        It is important to plan home fire drills before you experience a fire so that family members know what to do and can move quickly in the event of real fire. It is good to practice with the lights out since most fires do occur at night.

·        Plan and know the escape route as well as an alternate escape route.

·        Especially train children, since they get frightened and tend to hide.

·        DON'T try to fight the fire yourself.

·        Get out of the house as quickly as possible, without panic.

·        Plan a meeting place outside the house so you'll know when everyone has escaped.

·        Call the fire department as soon as you are out of the house from a neighbor's phone or from the nearest telephone...learn where it is.