The National Fire Protection Association estimates about 93% of U.S. homes have at least one smoke detector. But, consider these startling facts:

• Almost half of all home fires and three-fifths of fire deaths occur in homes with no detectors.
• Your chances of dying in a home fire are cut in half if you have a working smoke detector.
• There are more homes with smoke detectors that don't work, than homes without any detectors at all. These poorly maintained units create a false sense of security.

Detector Selector :: How Many to Install? :: How to Install
Maintenance :: Detect, Protect! :: Plan Escape Routes

Smoke detectors are your best protection in a home fire.
Most deaths occur from smoke inhalation and poison gases that rise ahead of the flames. Many victims suffocate upstairs from downstairs fires. The worst enemy is smoke. Smoke, heat, and gases can choke and kill you after a few breaths! If you are caught in smoke, crawl as close to the floor as possible, because smoke rises.
Two thirds of fires involving a fatality happen in residential buildings between 8p.m. and 8a.m. when the occupants are more likely to be asleep. The most dangerous period is 8p.m. to 4a.m. Smoke detectors can prevent such deaths. They warn before a fire spreads, allowing occupants to escape before being overcome by smoke and gases.
By properly selecting, placing, testing and maintaining your smoke detector, you will greatly increase your changes of surviving a home fire.

Detector Selector

When you head to the store, you'll find there are many different types of detectors on the market. There are battery-operated detectors and others that run on electricity. There are "ionization" sensors and "photoelectric" detectors. You can find good, standard smoke detectors for $10 to $25. There are special detectors for people with hearing impairments that have both an audible alarm and intense flashing lights. These are available for around $100 each.

One? Two? Three? More?

The number of detectors you need depends upon the size of your home. A smoke detector should be placed outside each sleeping area and on every level of existing homes, including the basement and mechanical areas. For new homes, National Fire Protection Association guidelines require builders to install smoke detectors inside each bedroom. On floors without bedrooms, install detectors in or near living areas, such as dens and living rooms. Detectors in dining rooms, utility rooms and hallways will provide added protection.

How to Install a Detector

• Installing a smoke detector is simple. A screwdriver and a drill are all you need to install a battery-operated detector.
• For detectors that plug into an electrical outlet, be certain to use a restraining device so the plug cannot be accidentally jarred loose.
• Detectors can also be hardwired directly into the home's electrical system. Hardwire installation should be done by a qualified electrician.
• Never connect a detector to a circuit that can be turned off by a wall switch.
• Always follow the manufacturer's installation instructions and be sure your detectors are held securely in place.
• Because smoke rises, detectors should be mounted high on a wall of in the ceiling.
• Wall-mounted detectors should be installed so the top is 6 to 12 inches from the ceiling
• Ceiling-mounted detectors should be installed at least 6 inches from any wall.
  · If a room has a pitched ceiling, mount the detector at or near the ceiling's highest point.
• In stairways with no doors at the top or bottom, position detectors in the path smoke would follow up the stairwell.
• Mount detectors at the bottom of closed stairways, such as those leading to a basement or mechanical room. Dead air trapped near the door at the top of a stairway could prevent smoke from reaching a detector located at the top.
• Don't install a detector 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 detectors, contact your local fire department for advice. Many departments will conduct home smoke detector inspections for free.

Make Maintenance a Priority

Only properly functioning smoke detectors can protect you. Make regular maintenance a priority.
· Batteries weaken with age and must be regularly checked and replaced, generally every 9 to 12 months. NEVER disable a detector by "borrowing" its battery for another use!
· Test your smoke detectors at least once a month, following the manufacturer's instructions. Both battery-operated and electric smoke detectors become less effective with age. If your detector does not respond to the recommended test procedure (usually by pressing a "test" button), change its batteries. If it still does not perform, replace it.
· Clean your smoke detectors following the manufacturer's instructions. Cobwebs and dust can generally be removed using a vacuum cleaner attachment. If you are doing work around a detector that could send dust into the air, cover the detector-- but don't forget to remove the cover when you're finished. Never paint any part of a smoke detector.

Detect, Protect!

Once your smoke detectors are up and running, make sure everyone in the household is familiar with the sound of the alarms and that they can be heard behind closed bedroom doors.

Plan escape routes --> link to Home Fire Drill section

Review your plan with all family members. Have at least two ways to get out of every room in your home. Agree on a meeting place outside your home where everyone can gather after they escape. Practice your escape.
When an alarm does sound, leave immediately. Go directly to your outside meeting place. Call the fire department from a neighbor's home if they are within reasonable distance. Get out and stay out. Never return to a burning building.