Why should I have a working smoke detector?
A properly installed and maintained smoke detector is the only thing in your home that can alert you and your family to a fire 24 hours a day,seven days a week. Whether you’re awake or asleep, a working smoke detector is constantly on alert, scanning the air for fire and smoke.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in properties without working smoke detectors. A working smoke detector significantly increases your chances of surviving a deadly home fire.
What types of smoke detectors are available?
There are many different brands of smoke detectors available on the market, but they fall under two basic types: ionization and photoelectric.
It cannot be stated definitively that one is better than the other in every fire situation that could arise in a residence. Because both ionization and photoelectric smoke detectors are better at detecting distinctly different, yet potentially fatal fires, and because no one can predict what type of fire might start in a home, the Five Cities Fire Authority recommends that every residence and place where people sleep be equipped with:
- Both ionization AND photoelectric smoke detectors, OR
- Dual sensor smoke detectors,which contain both ionization and photoelectric smoke
sensors
In addition to the basic types of detectors, there are detectors made to meet the needs of people with hearing disabilities. These detectors may use strobe lights that flash and/or vibrate to assist in alerting those who are unable to hear standard smoke detectors when they sound.
What powers a smoke detector?
Smoke detectors are powered by battery or they are hardwired into the home’s electrical system. If the smoke detector is powered by battery, it runs on either a disposable 9-volt battery or a non-replaceable 10-year lithium (“long-life”) battery. A backup battery is usually present on hardwired detectors and may need to be replaced.
These batteries must be tested on a regular basis and, in most cases, should be replaced twice a year (except for lithium batteries). See the Smoke Detector Maintenance section for more information.
Are smoke detectors expensive?
Smoke detectors are not expensive and are worth the lives they can help save. Ionization and photoelectric smoke detectors cost between $6 and $20. Dual sensor smoke detectors cost between $24 and $40.
The Five Cities Fire Authority offers free smoke detectors. Contact the Authority at (805)473-5490 for more information.
Install smoke detectors in key areas of your home
Install smoke detectors on every level of your home,including the basement. Many fatal fires begin late at night or early in the morning, so the Five Cities Fire Authority recommends installing smoke detectors both inside and outside of sleeping areas.
Since smoke and many deadly gases rise, installing your smoke detectors at the proper level will provide you with the earliest warning possible. Always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
The Five Cities Fire Authority will install battery-operated smoke detectors in your home at no cost. Contact the Authority at (805)473-5490 for more information.
Hardwired smoke detectors should be installed by a qualified electrician.
Smoke Detector maintenance
Is your smoke detector still working? Smoke detectors must be maintained! A smoke detector with a dead or missing battery is the same as having no smoke detector at all.
A smoke detector only works when it is properly installed and maintained. Depending on how your smoke detector is powered (9-volt,10-year lithium,or hardwired), you’ll have to maintain it according to manufacturer’s instructions. General guidelines for smoke detector maintenance:
Smoke detector powered by a 9-volt battery
- Test the detector monthly.
- Replace the batteries at least once per year,preferably twice a year
- The entire smoke detector unit should be replaced every 8-10 years.
Smoke detector powered by a 10-year lithium (or “long life”) battery
- Test the detector monthly.
- Since you cannot (and should not) replace the lithium battery,the entire smoke detectorunit should be replaced according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Smoke detector that is hardwired into the home’s electrical system
- Test the detector monthly.
- The backup battery should be replaced at least once per year,preferably twice a year.
- The entire smoke detector unit should be replaced every 8-10 years.
Never disable a smoke detector while cooking
A smoke detector is just doing its job when it sounds while you’re cooking or taking a shower with lots of steam. If a smoke detector sounds while you’re cooking or taking a shower with lots of steam, do not remove the battery. You should:
- Open a window or door and press the “hush” button,
- Wave a towel at the detector to clear the air,or
- Move the entire detector several feet away from the location.
Disabling a smoke detector or removing the battery can be a deadly mistake.