Smoke Alarms - Do you have enough smoke alarms in your home? Are they correctly installed? Early warning is essential for every fire escape plan. Approximately 85% of fire deaths occur in the home, and most deaths are due to smoke inhalation. Smoke alarms will warn you of a fire in time to let you escape.

Smoke Alarm Types

A flaming fire burns combustibles quickly, spreads rapidly and generates a lot of heat but only a little smoke. Cooking fat or grease, flammable liquids, newspapers, paint, and cleaning solutions all burn quickly and create more flames than smoke. Ionization type smoke alarms typically respond first to fast flaming fires. They are best suited for rooms which contain highly combustible materials.

A smouldering fire produces a lot of smoke but little heat. Careless smoking, for example, may lead to fires which can smoulder for hours before bursting into flame. Photoelectric type smoke alarms typically respond first to slow smouldering fires and are less prone to nuisance alarms near the kitchen area. These models are best suited for living rooms, bedrooms and near kitchens.

For maximum protection, install at least one ionization and one photoelectric type smoke alarm on each level of your home.

Home Safety Fire Prevention Tips

• Install a certified smoke alarm on each level of your home.
• Install a smoke alarm outside each sleeping area.
• Test your smoke alarm at least twice a year.
• Test the battery once a month (by pushing the button on the unit).
• Never remove the battery for any reason.
• Replace the battery once a year.
• Replace smoke alarms every five years.
• Have and practice a fire escape plan with your family.
• Know your fire department's phone number.
• Have and know how to use your fire extinguisher.
• Keep matches and lighters out of children's reach.
• Don't overload the electrical outlets.
• Always barbecue outside.
• Never leave grease cooking unattended.
• Clean grease from burner pans and stove top regularly.