|
|
According to FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), 52% of
residential fire fatalities occur in homes without smoke
detectors. If
you are a Portage Township resident and do not own a smoke
detector or a carbon monoxide detector or your detectors are
more than 10 years old, it's time to !!!
The majority of deadly fires in the home occur between 12
midnight and 8 a.m. Many people who die in fires die from
breathing in the poisonous gases and smoke. A smoke alarm acts
as your nose at night to detect smoke. Smoke alarms are designed
to provide early warning if installed and maintained according
to the owner’s manual. Where to install smoke alarms
- One on every
level of the home.
- One in every
sleeping area and in all bedrooms.
- In hallways
near sleeping areas and storage areas.
- Follow the user’s
manual which is included with your smoke alarm. Remember,
smoke, heat and gases rise. Smoke alarms on the ceiling
should not be closer than 4 inches to any wall or corner.
Wall mounted smoke alarms should be at least 4 inches but no
more than 12 inches from the ceiling.
Locations to avoid
placement
- Kitchens,
garages (poor ventilation).
- Very damp or
steamy area (bathrooms and showers).
- Very dusty or
greasy areas.
- Close to a ceiling
fan or near air vents.
What kind of smoke alarm is
best?
- Look for the
Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) Mark or Factory Mutual
(FM) approved symbol on the unit or box.
- Battery
operated provides protection if the batteries are fresh and
correctly installed.
- Hard wired
permanently wired into the homes electrical system. It may
also have a battery backup in case of a power failure.
Smoke alarms have a limited
life!
- Your smoke alarm
unit should be replaced immediately if it is not operating
properly. It is recommended you replace a smoke alarm after
10 years.
How to keep a smoke alarm
working
- Smoke alarms
should be tested once a month.
- Batteries
should be changed
EVERY 6 MONTHS.
Click here to test your smoke alarm.
(WAV 227KB)
- If your alarm
is making a chirping noise it needs a new battery.
- Keep your
smoke alarm clean; vacuum it at least once a month.
- Never paint a
smoke alarm.
Make an Escape Plan
- Make sure
everyone knows what your smoke alarm sounds like.
- Have a plan
with two ways out of each room and practice it!
- Have a safe
meeting place (ie. tree in he front yard, mailbox at the
road.)
- Call 9-1-1
from a safe phone.
- Once you are
outside of the house, STAY OUT. NEVER go back inside.
|
|
