Smoke Alarms

Effective March 1, 2006, smoke alarms must be installed on every level of a home and outside all sleeping areas whether owner occupied or rented. In almost 50% of fatal fires, the victims had no smoke alarm warning. It is critical to have working smoke alarms on every level to give occupants the precious seconds they need to escape a fire. Non-compliance with the Fire Code smoke alarm requirements can result in a ticket for $235 or a fine of up to $25,000.

Choosing a Smoke Alarm

There are many types of smoke alarms, each with different features. Alarms can be electrically connected, battery-powered or a combination of both. There are battery-powered smoke alarms or other models that can be plugged or hard-wired into your home's electrical system. The two types of sensing system detectors are photoelectric or ionization.
For the Hearing Impaired, alarms that flash a strobe-like light plus sound a sonic alarm are on the market. Other choices for the hearing impaired are detectors that emit lower-pitched alarm noises, which may be more easily heard.
Make sure to purchase a unit that has been approved or tested. The seal of approval should be clearly visible. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for installation, testing and maintenance.

Location

Smoke alarms should be on every level of your home and near sleeping areas. This includes the basement and attic too. If you sleep with the bedroom door closed, be sure to install an alarm inside your bedroom. An alarm needs to be installed in a smoker's bedroom whether the occupant sleeps with the door open or not.
Install wall mounted alarms so the top of the detector is 4-12 inches (10-30 centimetres) from the ceiling.
Ceiling mounted alarms should be installed at least 4 inches (10 centimetres) from the wall. If the ceiling is pitched, install the unit at or near the highest point of the ceiling.
In the basement, install smoke alarms close to the bottom of the stairs. DO NOT install the alarm at the top of the stairs. Smoke could be stopped from reaching the detector by the dead air trapped near the closed door.
Install alarms in places between sleeping areas and rooms where fires usually start such as the kitchen, basement, garage or utility room. Smoke alarms should NOT be installed in the following locations: near the bathroom, heating appliances or ceiling fans. Avoid installing alarms near windows, doors, forced-air registers or fireplaces as drafts could detour smoke away from the units.

Maintenance

Replace the batteries at least once a year. A good way to reminder to change the batteries in your alarms is when you change your clocks to or from daylight savings time. Clean your alarms twice a year as dust can affect the sensitivity of the device. NEVER paint a smoke alarm.

Testing and Replacement

Test your alarm once a month. If the detector does not respond, replace the batteries. If there is still not response to the testing, replace the unit with a new one. Smoke alarms that are 10 years old or older need to be replaced immediately.

Escape Route

If your alarm goes off, make sure your family has an escape route planned and rehearsed for a quick exit. Everyone needs to know the second escape route in case the first is blocked by smoke and or fire. Meet outside at a predetermined location and NEVER go back into a burning building.

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