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Smoke Detector Safety

Smoke detectors are invaluable for early fire alert and survival. The Burn Institute reports smoke detectors reduce fire deaths and injuries by at least 50 percent. The majority of fire deaths are in homes that do not have working smoke detectors.

  1. Types

    • Smoke detectors are categorized by sensor type. There are ionization alarms, photoelectric alarms and dual sensor alarms, which have both ionization and photoelectric sensors. Ionization detectors work best in fast moving fires. Photoelectric detectors work best in smoky fires. To play it safe, the U.S. Fire Administration recommends installing dual sensor alarms, or a combination of ionization and photoelectric alarms.

    Power Source

    • There are battery operated smoke detectors and electric smoke detectors. Battery detectors install easily but require regular battery replacement. Electric detectors are hardwired and may need to be installed by an electrician. Most hardwired detectors have a backup battery system.

    Placement

    • At a bare minimum, place at least one smoke detector on each level of a home. For added safety, place smoke detectors in or near every bedroom. The more smoke detectors in a house, the better the chances of an early alert and a safe escape. Don't place detector too close to a smoke source, such as a stove or fireplace.

    Testing

    • Test smoke detectors regularly to make sure they work. The U.S. Fire Administration recommends checking detectors once a month. Simply press the test button on the outside of the detector and wait for the alarm. If the alarm doesn't sound after several seconds, the detector may need new batteries. If electric, it may need to be replaced.

    Batteries

    • Change smoke detectors batteries at least twice a year. Write the dates on your calendar. Many fire agencies suggest changing batteries on the same day clocks are adjusted for daylight savings. Never take a battery out of a smoke detector to use in another appliance.

    Cleaning

    • Check the smoke detector instruction sheet for cleaning instructions. Dust, dirt and even insects build up in a detector and can cause malfunctions. Routinely wipe down or vacuum the detector's exterior vent.

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