Litigation

Smoke Alarms can save your life: 10 Basic facts about smoke alarms

By Michael Kaplen

Smoke alarms are the residential fire safety success story of the past 25 years.

As the most effective early warning device for fires, smoke alarms can mean the difference between life and death in a fire. By detecting and alerting people to fire in its early stages, these devices give them the time needed to escape safety.

Every year, nearly 3,000 people die in home fires in the United States. Approximately 70% of home fire deaths result from fires in homes with either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. Having a working smoke alarm cuts the chances of dying in a reported fire in half.

These 10 basic facts about smoke alarms could save your life:

1. Place smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping  area, and on every level of the home, including the basement.
2. For the best protection, install both ionization and photoelectric alarms (or combination alarms). Ionization alarms are generally more responsive to flaming fires while photoelectric alarms are generally more responsive to smoldering fires.
3. Install smoke alarms high on a wall or ceiling following manufacturers? instructions.
4. Consider using interconnected smoke alarms which, when placed on all floors, increase safety because every alarm will sound regardless of the fire?s location. In addition to hard-wired alarms, battery-operated interconnected alarms are now available which can be programmed to announce the fire?s location.
5. Install plug in or hard-wired alarms which feature both a strobe light and audible alarm for those who are hearing impaired.
6. Test smoke alarms at least monthly by pushing the designated test button to hear the alarm sound
7. Replace smoke alarm batteries at least annually; a ?chirping? alarm indicates that the batteries are low and should be replaced immediately. Do not remove batteries without replacing them. Smoke alarms that contain a sealed-in unremovable 10 year lithium battery are also available; these batteries do not require replacement for the life of the alarm.
8. Replace all smoke alarms, whether battery-powered or hard-wired, every 10 years or earlier if they do not respond properly when tested.
9. Clean the outside of smoke alarms regularly and gently using a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and debris; do not use water, cleaner or solvent.
10. Remember: smoke alarms are an essential part of a home fire escape plan. Walk through your home and inspect all possible exits and escape routes and draw a floor plan of your home, marking two ways out of each room, including windows and doors. Designate a location where all family members will meet. Never reenter a house after leaving because of fire or smoke. Practice the plan at least twice a year at night and during the day with everyone in the home.

Full post as published by Brain Injury News and Information on October 18, 2010 (boomark / email).