Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), smoke alarms were present in three-quarters (74 percent) of the reported home fires in 2014–2018. Almost three out of five home fire deaths were caused by fires in properties with no smoke alarms (41 percent) or smoke alarms that failed to operate (16 percent). The death rate per 1,000 home structure fires was 55 percent lower in homes with working smoke alarms than in homes with no alarms or alarms that fail to operate. Missing or non-functional power sources, including missing or disconnected batteries, dead batteries, and disconnected hardwired alarms or other AC power issues, were the most common factors when smoke alarms failed to operate.
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.
- A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
- Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area.
- Install alarms on every level of the home. Install alarms in the basement.
- Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
- It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms. When one smoke alarm sounds, they all sound.
- Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
- A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall. Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms. They should be at least 10 feet (3 meters) from the stove.
- 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 an important part of a home fire escape plan.
Most fatal fires occur in residential buildings between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. when occupants are more likely to be asleep. More than 90 percent of fire deaths in buildings occur in residential dwellings.
CHOOSING A SMOKE ALARM
When choosing a smoke alarm, there are several things to consider. Think about which areas of the house you want to protect and where fire would be most dangerous to help determine how many smoke alarms you need.
Every home should have a smoke alarm installed in each sleeping area or at least installed in a common hallway outside the sleeping areas. In addition, smoke alarms should be installed on every level of the home including the basement. On floors without bedrooms, smoke alarms should be installed in or near common areas such as dens, living rooms or family rooms. However, smoke alarms are not recommended for kitchens due to the possibility of accidental activation.
To ensure quality and performance, select smoke alarms that have been certified by a third party such as Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL). Third party certification ensures smoke alarms meet government and/or industry standards for operation and safety. For assistance choosing smoke alarms, please contact our office at (417) 881-9018.
MAINTENANCE
Keeping smoke alarms in good condition is easy thank you might think. Smoke alarms should be tested monthly to make sure they are working appropriately. Unless equipped with 10-year batteries, be sure to replace the batteries in your smoke alarms every six months.
We recommend changing the batteries when you change your clocks for daylight saving-time (DST). Most models will make a chirping, popping or beeping sound when the battery is losing its charge. When this sound is heard, install a fresh battery, preferably an alkaline type. Of course, you should always follow the specific instructions from the smoke alarm manufacturer for maintenance.
NEED HELP?
The Battlefield Fire Protection District provides free smoke alarms for those households who are in need of them. Please contact us at (417) 881-9018 or send us a message to the right if you need help with smoke alarm installation or changing batteries. If sending a message, please include your name, address, phone number, and a description of you need.
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Smoke Detectors
Every year thousands of people die from fires in the home. Fire kills an estimated 4,000 Americans every year. Another 30,000 people are seriously injured by fire each year. Property damage from fire costs us at least $11.2 billion yearly. Most fire victims feel that fire would “never happen to them.”
Although we like to feel safe at home, about two-thirds of our nation’s fire deaths happen in the victim’s own home. The home is where we are at the greatest risk and where we must take the most precautions. Most deaths occur from inhaling smoke or poisonous gases, not from the flames.
Most fatal fires occur in residential buildings between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. when occupants are more likely to be asleep. More than 90 percent of fire deaths in buildings occur in residential dwellings.
A Johns Hopkins University study, funded by the United States Fire Administration, found that 75 percent of residential fire deaths and 84 percent of residential fire injuries could have been prevented by smoke detectors.
Choosing a smoke detector
When choosing a smoke detector, there are several things to consider. Think about which areas of the house you want to protect, where fire would be most dangerous, how many you will need, etc.
Every home should have a smoke detector inside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. . On floors without bedrooms, detectors should be installed in or near living areas, such as dens, living rooms or family rooms. Smoke detectors are not recommended for kitchens.
The safest bet is to have a combination detector with a battery back up. Be sure to check for a testing laboratory label on the detector. It means that samples of that particular model have been tested under operating conditions. Check to see if it is easy to maintain and clean. Be sure bulbs and batteries are easy to purchase and convenient to install.
Maintenance
Keeping smoke detectors in good condition is easy. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure to replace the batteries every year or as needed. Most models will make a chirping, popping or beeping sound when the battery is losing its charge. When this sound is heard, install a fresh battery, preferably an alkaline type.
The Battlefield Fire Protection District provides free smoke detectors for those households who are in need of them.