PRESS RELEASE BURNEY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT      CONTACT:    Robert C. May            RELEASE DATE:  1/2/07 No Doubt About It: Working Smoke Alarms Save Lives         The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates more than 94 percent of North American homes have at least one smoke alarm. But consider these startling facts: Thirty-eight percent of all home fires and fifty-one percent of fire deaths occur in homes with no alarms. Your chances of dying in a home fire are cut in half if you have a working smoke alarm. There are more homes with smoke alarms that do not work, than homes without any alarms. These poorly maintained units create a false sense of security for residents. 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 will 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 electricity. There are also special alarms for people with hearing impairments. These have both an audible alarm and intense flashing lights. 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 Factory Mutual (FM). NFPA National Fire Alarm Code (NFPA 72) should be followed. The code requires a minimum of one smoke alarm on every level and outside each sleeping area. In new construction, the code requires hard-wired smoke alarms to be interconnected. This means that if one smoke alarm is activated, all alarms will sound. New construction also requires a hard-wired smoke alarm be installed in each bedroom. Installing a new 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's 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. Always follow the manufacturer's installation instruction. Wall-mounted alarms should be installed so the top is 6 to 12 inches from the ceiling. Ceiling-mounted units should be installed at least 6 inches from any wall. If a room has a pitched 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. Do not install an alarm too close to windows, doors, or forced-air registers, 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 once 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. 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. Plan An Escape: Once your smoke alarms are up and running, make sure everyone in the household is familiar with the sound of the alarms. 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. press release\01 2007 smoke detectors jan 2007 Burney Fire Protection District Is An Equal Opportunity Employer