Smoke alarms are your first line of defense against a fire. Here’s what you need to know about smoke alarms, including which type to choose and how to install and maintain them in your home.
Types of smoke alarms available include:
Optical Detectors: Less prone to false alarms and react faster to smoldering fires.
Ionization Detectors: Better at sensing flames but prone to false alarms.
Combination Detectors: Use optical and ionization sensors in the same unit to provide protection from both types of fires.
Tips for Installing a Smoke Alarm:
- Install at least one smoke alarm on each level of your home.
- Place an alarm in or near each bedroom of your home.
- Write the date purchased on the back of each alarm.
- Position alarms on or near the ceiling and away from corners.
- Write the replacement date on each battery and change batteries as needed or every 6 to 12 months.
- Clean alarms yearly by gently vacuuming them or blowing detectors out with canned air.
- Replace the alarms every 10 years.
