Smoke Detectors provide early warning that can help save your life
    • You may have as little as two minutes to escape a fire
    • More than half of all fatal home fires strike when people are asleep
    • Smoke Detectors can cut your risk of dying in a fire nearly in half

 

 

 

 

Types of Smoke Alarms
Some alarms are powered by batteries; others are wired into a household electrical supply; and others are powered by household electrical supply with a battery back-up in the event of a power failure.


Don't buy any smoke alarm unless it bears the label of an independent testing laboratory
    • Ionization type smoke alarms pass an electrical current through a sensing chamber.  When smoke enters the chamber, it interrupts the flow of current and activates the alarm
    • Photoelectric type smoke alarms aim a light source into a sensing chamber.  Smoke entering the chamber reflects the light onto a photocell and activates the alarm
    • Heat detectors.  In some areas where smoke alarms are not recommended (such as kitchens or bathrooms, where cooking fumes or steam can trigger a nuisance alarm), you can install heat detectors to increase your protection.  But never substitute heat detectors for smoke alarms outside those specified areas.  Smoke alarms trigger earlier than heat detectors.  The delay could be fatal.
    • People with hearing impairments.  Some alarms are available that flash a strobe light or vibrate in addition to sounding an alarm.   

 

 

Installation
Heat and smoke rise, so install smoke alarms high on a wall or on the ceiling to detect the first traces of smoke.  Install smoke alarms on each level of your home, in every bedroom, in corridors outside bedrooms and above stairwells.  Each home should have at least two smoke alarms.

    • Wall-mounted smoke alarms should be installed so that the top of the alarm is 4 to 12 inches from the ceiling.
    • Ceiling-mounted smoke alarms should be placed at least 4 inches from any wall.
    • Pitched ceiling.  Mount the smoke detector at or near the highest point.
    • Stairway.  Position the smoke detector in the path smoke would follow up the stairwell
    • Basement.  Install smoke alarms close to the bottom of the stairs.  Don't install an alarm at the top of basement stairs; dead air trapped near a closed door could prevent smoke from reaching the detector.
    • Don't install smoke alarms near a window, forced-air register, or fireplace  anywhere drafts could detour smoke away from the detector.

Always follow manufacturers recommendations on installation of smoke detectors.


Proper Maintenance
National Fire Protection Association studies show that roughly one-fifth of the smoke detectors installed in homes are not in proper working condition.  This can endanger occupants with by creating a false sense of security.

    • Test smoke alarms at least once a month

   

 

 

    • Replace batteries every year.  Use the battery type listed on the detector.
    • Vacuum the outside of your smoke detectors at least twice a year, to remove cobwebs and dust that can degrade the detectors performance.
    • Never paint any part of a smoke detector

 

 

How Old Are Your Smoke Detectors?
    • Do you remember when you installed your smoke detector?
    • How old are the ones already installed when you moved in?
    • If you're not sure how old they are, it's best to replace them.
A smoke detector monitors the air 24 hours a day, every day. After 10 years, it's been on the job for over 87,000 hours.  After 87,000 hours of work you'd be tired too!

After 10 years, accumulations of dust, dirt, or other air-borne impurities can affect the sensor.  Smoke detectors don't last forever.  If you alarm is performing erratically or is more than 10 years old, replace it.

If you have any questions about where to install your smoke detectors or require assistance in replacing batteries, contact the Munroe Falls Fire Department (330) 688-7493.  The Munroe Falls Fire Department will conduct a free home fire safety inspection, call to schedule an inspection.


Free Smoke Detectors
If you are not able to purchase smoke detectors contact the Munroe Falls Fire Department to see if you qualify for free smoke detectors. (330) 688-7493
 
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