Smoke alarms are a key part of a home fire escape plan.
When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly. Test your smoke alarms every month and replace the battery at least once a year. If the alarm makes a “chirping” sound, replace the battery immediately.
Smoke alarms should be in every bedroom and in the common areas on each floor of a home. Mount them at least 10 feet from the stove to reduce false alarms, less than 12 inches from the ceiling, and away from windows, doors, and ducts.
Smoke alarms can be interconnected wirelessly. That means, when one sounds, they all sound. A Consumer Product Safety Commission survey found this is the best way to notify everyone in a home if there is a fire. Be sure to purchase smoke alarms with the label of a reputable testing agency, like Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
Additional Tips:
- Smoke alarms with built-in carbon monoxide detectors offer additional protection
- A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall
- People who are hard-of-hearing or deaf can use special alarms. These alarms have strobe lights and bed shakers
- Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old
Smoke alarms are a key part of a home fire escape plan. When there is...