October 5, 2008

ith the scare of the house smelling like an electrical fire the other night, I bought my guy two smoke alarms and a fire extinguisher for his place. I also found out today that October is fire safety month and I usually post about checking and replacing your smoke alarm batteries fall and spring anyway, so here is my bi-yearly tirade about them.

Many of us who live rural areas tend to use woodstoves for heat and fire building season is upon us. As well as checking (or finally installing smoke alarms) in your home, please take them time to clean out your chimneys and stove pipes.

House fires kill and injure thousands yearly. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates more than 94 percent of North American homes have at least one smoke alarm. But there are more homes with smoke alarms that don't work, than homes without any alarms. These poorly maintained units create a false sense of security for residents. I used to even have smoke alarms in my barns.

By properly selecting, placing, testing, and maintaining your smoke alarm, you will greatly increase your chances of surviving a home fire. 

When you go to the store, you'll find there are many different types of alarms on the market. There are standard battery-operated alarms, 10-year battery-operated alarms, and others that operate on the home's electrical system. Building codes and local requirements often dictate the type of power that will be required to operate smoke alarms. There are also special alarms for people with hearing impairments. These have both an audible alarm and intense flashing lights.

When we were installing the new smoke alarms at my partner's house, we discovered that his was not functional as it was a 'hardwire' type and it actually had not been connected to anything. I prefer the 9 volt kind myself and that is what we put into his house. 

No matter what type of alarm you purchase, make sure it is listed or approved by an independent testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or the Canadian Standards Association (CSA).

One? Two? Three? More?
Beyond the type of smoke detector, where it is placed is just as important as the type of smoke detector and how it is powered. Most codes require a minimum of one smoke alarm on every level, including basements, and within 15 feet of each sleeping area. If the door to the sleeping area is kept closed, it is also recommended that a smoke detector be placed inside the bedroom.

Put ‘em Up
 Installing a smoke alarm is simple. A screwdriver and a drill are all you need to install a battery-operated alarm. Other alarms can also be hardwired directly into your home' electrical system. Hardwire installation should be done by a qualified electrician. Be sure to never connect an alarm to a circuit that can be turned off by a wall switch. Hard-wired systems should also be provided with a battery back up.

Always follow the manufacturer's installation instruction.

• Wall-mounted alarms should be installed so the top is 6 to 12 inches (15-30 cm) from the ceiling.
• Ceiling-mounted units should be installed at least 6 inches (15 cm) from any wall.
• If a room has a vaulted ceiling, mount the alarm at or near the ceiling's highest point.
• In stairways with no doors at the top or bottom, position alarms in the path smoke would follow up the stairwell.
• Mount alarms at the bottom of closed stairways, such as those leading to a basement. Dead air trapped near the door at the top of a stairway could prevent smoke from reaching an alarm located at the top.
• Don't install an alarm too close to windows, doors, forced-air registers, or ceiling fans where drafts could interfere with the detector's operation.
• If you have questions about the best places to install alarms, contact your local fire department for advice. Many departments will conduct home smoke alarm inspections for free or for a nominal fee.
• Only properly functioning smoke alarms can protect you. Make regular maintenance a priority:

  Standard Batteries
  Batteries weaken with age and must be regularly checked and replaced (generally twice a year). NEVER disable an alarm by “borrowing” its battery for another use.
  
  Testing
  Test your smoke alarms at least once a month, following the manufacturer's instructions. Both battery operated and electric smoke alarms become less sensitive with age. The NFPA recommends smoke alarm replacement every ten years. (and my guy's former smoke alarm looked to be one of the original smoke alarms). If your alarm does not respond to the recommended test procedure (usually pressing a“ test” button), change its batteries If it still does not respond, replace it.
  
  Cleaning
  Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning your smoke alarms. Debris and dust can generally be removed by using a vacuum cleaner attachment. Never paint any part of a smoke alarm. Once your smoke alarms are up and running, make sure everyone in the household is familiar with the sound of the alarms. (We had fun antagonizing the cats checking them out!!!)

  Plan an Escape

  Plan and review escape routes. Have at least two ways to get out of every room. Agree on a meeting place outside where everyone can gather after they escape. Practice your escape.
  
  Remember, when an alarm sounds, get out and stay out. Never return to a burning building.

  A general purpose Class ABC extinguisher is a good choice if only one type of extinguisher is purchased. Make sure you have a clear escape route and the fire department has been called before attempting to extinguish a small fire.

No matter what, please make the time this weekend to check, get new batteries for, or finally take the time to buy and properly install smoke alarms for your home.