Smoke Detectors

Information on use and installation

Two Thirds Of All Fires Involving Fatalities Happen In Homes Between The Hours of 8 pm and 8 am.

Three Fifths Of America's Home Fire Fatalities Occur In Homes Without Smoke Detectors.

A Smoke Detector Can't Save Your Life if it's Not Working

  • Dead, missing, or disconnected batteries are the principle cause of non-working detectors
  • Test once a month (replace any battery too weak to sound alarm)
  • Heed the warning, when the detector chirps the battery is low
  • Replace batteries once per year on the same date (your birthday)

Dealing With False Alarms

  • Do not disconnect the detector; RELOCATE IT
  • If false alarms persist, replace the detector (change the type)

Nothing Lasts Forever, After 10 Years Replace It

Installing Smoke Detectors

  • There are basically two types
    •  Ionization (the most common)
    •  Photoelectric
  • Any approved type will work fine

How many do I need?

  • Outside each sleeping area and on each level, including the basement
  • For hearing impaired you can obtain detectors with flashing lights

How do I install my detectors?

  • Read the directions that come with the detector

Where do I install my detectors?

  • Wall mounted units should be installed with the top 4 to 12 inches from the ceiling
  • Ceiling mounted units at least 4 inches from the nearest wall
  • Do not mount near registers, doors, windows or ceiling fans