Smoke detectors are devices
that are mounted on the wall or ceiling and automatically sound a warning when
they sense smoke or other products of combustion.
When people are warned early enough about a fire, they can escape before
it spreads. Prices start at about
six dollars.
Every
year thousands of people die from fires in the home.
Fire kills an estimated 4,000 Americans every year.
Another 30,000 people are seriously injured by fire each year.
Most fire victims feel that fire would "never happen to them."
Although
we like to feel safe at home, about two-thirds of our nation's fire deaths
happen in the victim's own home. The
home is where we are at the greatest risk and where we must take the most
precautions. Most deaths occur from
inhaling smoke or poisonous gases, not from the flames.
Most
fatal fires occur in residential buildings between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. when
occupants are more likely to be asleep. More
than 90 percent of fire deaths in buildings occur in residential dwellings.
A
There are two basic types of smoke detectors:
·
Ionization
detectors - Ionization detectors contain radioactive material that ionizes the
air, making an electrical path. When
invisible products of smoke enter the detector, interrupting the electrical flow
of the ions, the change in electric current flow triggers the alarm.
The radioactive material is called americium.
The amount is very small and not harmful.
·
Photo-electric
detectors - These types of detectors contain a light source, and visible smoke
particles enter the detector, which scatters the light source, activating the
alarm.
Choosing
a Smoke Detector
While
both detectors operate differently, and react differently with different types
of fires, they both will respond in quickly enough to allow you to evacuate
home. Of course, the detectors
should be UL listed, and placed appropriately in the home.
The safest bet is to have both kinds or a combination detector with a
battery back up.
Placing Smoke Detectors
The
requirements for placing a smoke detector in a home are outside each sleeping
area, inside each bedroom, and on each level of the home (including the
basement). These detectors must be
110 volt, and interconnected so when one activates, they all sound.
Smoke detectors are not recommended for kitchens.
Be
sure to keep the detector away from fireplaces and wood stoves to avoid false
alarms. Place smoke detectors at the
top of each stairwell and at the end of each long hallway.
Smoke rises easily through stairwells.
If you should put a smoke detector in your kitchen, be sure to keep it
away from cooking fumes or smoking areas.
If
you mount your detector on the ceiling, be sure to keep it at least 18 inches
away from dead air space near walls and corners.
If you mount it on the wall, place it six to 12 inches below the ceiling
and away from corners.
They
should not be placed closer than three feet from an air register that might blow
the smoke, away from the detector. Don't
place them on an un-insulated exterior wall or ceiling.
Temperature extremes can affect the batteries.
Maintenance
Keeping
smoke detectors in good condition is easy. Always
follow the manufacturer's instructions. If
you have battery operated smoke detectors, be sure to replace the batteries
twice a year, every time you change your clocks is a good time.
Most models will make a chirping, popping or beeping sound when the
battery is losing its charge. When
this sound is heard, install a fresh battery.
If you're looking for a novel gift for somebody, consider giving them a smoke detector. It's an interesting gift that can save lives and it shows that you care.