If you follow these simple tips, you can ensure that your home is adequately protected by working smoke alarms.
Smoke alarm tips
• Smoke alarms should be installed in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home.
• Combination smoke alarms that include both ionization and photoelectric alarms offer the most comprehensive protection. An ionization alarm is more responsive to flames, while a photoelectric alarm is more responsive to a smoldering fire.
• For the best protection, smoke alarms should be interconnected, so they all sound if any one of them sounds.
• Purchase smoke alarms from a reputable retailer you trust.
• Choose alarms that bear the label of a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
• Install smoke alarms at least 10 feet from cooking appliances to reduce the possibility of nuisance alarms.
• If possible, alarms should be mounted in the center of a ceiling. If mounted on a wall, they should be six to 12 inches below the ceiling.
• Avoid locating alarms near bathrooms, heating appliances, windows or ceiling fans.
• Never paint over a smoke alarm.
• Smoke alarms should be tested once a month by pressing the TEST button.
• Replace the smoke alarm batteries at least once a year. If an alarm “chirps” or “beeps” to indicate low batteries, they should be replaced immediately.
• Replace the smoke alarms every 10 years.
Learn more
For further facts and tips on smoke alarms, visit the Electrical Safety Foundation International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting electrical safety, at www.esfi.org.
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- Smoke alarms should be in every bedroom and on every level of the house.
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