Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms more than double a person’s chance of surviving a fire.
Home Fire Safety Starts with YOU!
Why should my home have smoke alarms?
- Most fire deaths are caused by smoke – not flames
- Most fire deaths and injuries occur between midnight and 8 a.m. when families are asleep
- Seconds count! You only have minutes to escape a house fire
- The earlier a smoke alarm alerts you to a fire, the more likely you will get out alive
Where do I install smoke alarms?
- On each level of your home
- Outside each sleeping area
- Inside each bedroom
How do I keep my smoke alarm working?
- Test smoke alarms monthly
- Vacuum smoke alarms regularly to remove dust and cobwebs
- Never disconnect or remove smoke alarm batteries for other uses
- For smoke alarms that are ionization powered with 10 year batteries – replace the entire unit every 8-10 years
- For smoke alarms that are photoelectric and combination – replace the batteries at least once per year, and replace the entire unit every 8-10 years
- For smoke alarms that are hard-wired with battery backup – replace batteries at least once per year, and replace the entire unit every 8-10 years
What if I have a false alarm?
- Do not disable smoke alarms activated by cooking or other non-fire causes
- Use the smoke alarm’s hush feature, if available
- Open windows and doors to clear smoke from your home
Other safety messages
- Have a fire escape plan; teach the kids; and, practice, practice, practice. Utilize good home fire safety practices, such as heater safety, cooking safety, electrical safety, etc.
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