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“An All Hazards Response Organization, Committed to your Safety”

Did you know that every day in the United States 1, 500 homes burn? Each year 4,500 people die and 280,000 are injured in residential fires. The majority of fire deaths occur at night, while everyone is asleep. Without early warning victim's senses may be dulled and disable their ability to escape.

Adequate smoke alarms are a necessity to provide sufficient early warning in case of a fire.

Purchasing Tips

Buy only those alarms that have met the performance standards of an approved independent testing laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratories and Factory Mutual.

           How do they operate?

           There are two acceptable types of smoke alarms:

• · Ionization - A radioactive material is used to ionize the air in the sensing chamber. The ionized air causes a small electrical current flow. Smoke entering the chamber reduces the flow and activates the alarm. These alarms are more sensitive to the presence of cooking fumes or steam from the shower.
• · Photo Electric - Works much like an electric eye on an automatic door. When smoke particles enter the chamber, the electric eye sees it which activates the alarm.

         There are three ways that a smoke alarm may be powered:

• · Battery - The easiest to install because they do not require any connection to the home's electrical system. The challenge with these alarms is that they require the battery to be replaced periodically for the unit to work. We recommend changing it when you change your clock in the fall from daylight saving's time. Each alarm must detect smoke in order to alarm.
• · A/C Hard wired without Battery Backup - These alarms are wired directly to the electrical system of the home. These alarms do not operate if there is a power outage.
• · A/C Hard Wired with Battery Backup - This is the best way that an alarm can be powered. If the battery goes dead, it will still be powered by the home's electrical system and if there is a power failure, the battery will operate the alarm. We still advise replacing the battery once a year. One alarm will activate all alarms.
• Where should they be installed?

         You should have a smoke alarm on every floor, outside every sleeping area and inside every             bedroom. This will provide the best coverage, especially when you are sleeping.

       How should they be installed?

         Follow manufacturers recommendations on proper placements. Avoid the area within 6 inches of the wall. The smoke will rise along the wall and curve to the ceiling delaying or never activating the alarm.

     Proper Maintenance

• · Power supply should be checked once per month by pressing the test button
• · Battery should be changed at least once per year
• · Remove cobwebs, insects or dust by vacuuming at least every six months
• What is the life span of a smoke alarm?

           Smoke alarms should be replaced every ten years. Smoke alarms should also be replaced when they beep periodically and cannot be corrected by replacing the battery or vacuuming to remove dust or cobwebs.

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