Most fatal fires occur at night, while people are sleeping. Toxic gases and smoke from a fire in your home can deaden the senses in a very short time.

Every home should have at least one device that can wake you up in time to escape from a fire. Of all the reasonably priced fire alarm devices, the smoke detector is the most effective.

HOW TO CHOOSE A SMOKE DETECTOR

There are many good brands of smoke detectors available today. No matter where you buy your smoke detectors or what type they are, be sure to buy a brand that has been tested by an independent laboratory that tests and evaluates products.

Any labeled smoke detector offers protection - whether it's battery powered or powered by household AC current, or whether it's photoelectric or an ionization device.

Be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for installation, testing, and maintenance. The is extremely important!

HOW MANY DO I NEED?

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) minimum protection requires smoke detectors outside each bedroom and on each additional story of the residence.

For additional protection, it is recommended that smoke detectors be installed inside each bedroom, the dining room, utility room, and hallways. If your family sleeps with the bedroom door closed (which is recommended), it is especially important to install smoke detectors inside each bedroom. Smoke detectors are also recommended for kitchens, attics, and garages. It is important that you can hear the smoke detectors from each bedroom.

WHERE AND HOW SHOULD I INSTALL MY SMOKE DETECTORS?

Most smoke detectors can be easily installed. The majority of smoke detectors operate on batteries or household AC current. Because smoke rises, each smoke detector should be mounted high on a wall or on the ceiling to detect the first traces of smoke. For a wall mounted unit, the top of the smoke detector should be placed at least 4 inches from any wall. In a room with a high pitched ceiling, mount the smoke detector on or near the ceiling's highest point.

Most home fires start in living areas - the den, family room or living room. On a floor with no bedrooms, install the required smoke detector in or near the living area. If a stairway leads to an upper story, install the detector in the path where smoke would travel up the stairs.

Do not install smoke detectors near a window, door, or air register where drafts could reduce its sensitivity.

Locate a basement smoke detector close to the stairway leading to the floor above. But do not install the smoke detector at the top of the basement stairs; dead air space near the door may prevent smoke from reaching the detector.

MAINTAINING YOUR SMOKE DETECTORS

It is very important to test and clean your smoke detectors on a regular basis.

Replace the batteries according to the manufacturer's recommendations - or at least once a year. Everyone in the household must learn to leave working batteries in smoke detectors, sometimes people are tempted to borrow batteries for other purposes.

Never paint a smoke detector. Cobwebs and dust can impair a smoke detector's sensitivity. Vacuum your smoke detectors at least once a week to make sure you and your family are protected.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE FIRE ALARM SOUNDS?

Being awakened by a smoke detector can be a frightening and disorienting experience even for adults - so plan your escape before a fire occurs.

First of all, make sure everyone knows what your smoke detector sounds like. So test it in front of the entire family.

Plan at least two ways out from each room - especially the bedrooms. Agree on a meeting place outside the house or apartment so it will be known when everyone is out.

Have everyone practice the escape plan on a regular basis.

In case of a real fire, get out of the house immediately. Once at the meeting place, have one person go to a neighbor's house to call the fire department by calling 911. In addition to telling the fire department your name and address, tell them if anyone is still trapped in the house.

FIRE SAFETY IN YOUR HOME STARTS IMMEDIATELY!

In combination with a family escape plan, properly installed and maintained smoke detectors can save lives.

~ Smoke Detectors Save Lives: Don't Stay Home Without One ~