Smoke alarms are life-saving devices that are way too frequently neglected. A lot of homes have one fitted but forget to test it periodically and change the batteries annually.
Several houses do not have any alarms fitted, or perhaps do have them, but have removed the batteries. It must be emphasized just how vital it is that homes have at least one smoke alarm on each floor and that they are kept in good working order.
smoke alarm
A smoke alarm provides the early critical warning that will provide users with sufficient time to round up the family and get out of the home.
If there is no functioning alarm and a fire starts at the peak moment when the user is asleep, the odds of survival are greatly reduced. Smoke is heavy, toxic, and thick, and the faster users are alerted to the danger, the greater the chances of survival.
Installing and Testing the Smoke Alarms
It is important that all of the smoke alarms are fitted correctly and safely and are in the appropriate area.
- Users need to have at least one alarm per floor in a house, but the more users install, the greater the security and protection.
- Be sure the user sticks to the fitting directions, and in case unsure, ask somebody to help.
- Install the unit upon the ceiling, preferably, and at least a foot away from lighting and walls.
- Bear in mind that users will find 2 kinds of detectors ionization and optical; homes with both have better safety and protection. Ionization alarms are sensitive to the smoke triggered by fast-burning fires. They are best installed near the kitchen. Optical alarms are good at detecting smoldering, and slow-burning fires, and are a good option for the hallway and near the living room.
- Users should install a photoelectric smoke alarm in each sleeping area (bedroom), hallway, and living area. Smoke alarms should be supported by a home fire escape plan.
- Test alarms frequently use the test button.
- Vacuum dust from alarms every six months.
- Replace batteries once a year. Some alarms have 10-year lithium batteries that do not need replacing every year.
- Mains-powered smoke alarms also have backup batteries - check with the manufacturer if the model has batteries that need to be replaced regularly, or whether it has a rechargeable battery.
- Young children are likely to sleep through the sound of a smoke alarm, so users must alert them to a fire and help them escape to safety.
- Installation of a smoke alarm is quick and easy. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Generally, because smoke rises, mounting in the middle of the ceiling is recommended.
- Maximum protection can be gained from interconnecting smoke alarms - when one smoke alarm operates, all connected alarms will operate.
- All alarms have a use-by date of 10 years, after this time, the entire alarm must be replaced.
Types of Smoke Alarm Tasmania
Ionization alarms can take much longer up to 20 minutes or more by which time escape can be much more difficult
There are two main types of smoke alarms for home use: ionization and photoelectric. Photoelectric smoke alarms are usually much faster at detecting smoke from smoldering synthetic material than ionization alarms.
In a typical house, fire-burning material smolders and smokes for a long time (possibly a few hours) before flaring into flames. It's vital to detect the fire early in the smoldering phase so the user can put out the fire or escape.
Studies have shown that photoelectric alarms typically respond to smoky fires within about three to five minutes. Ionization alarms can take much longer up to 20 minutes or more by which time escape can be much more difficult. DFES recommends users install photoelectric smoke alarms in the home.
Maintaining and Testing the Smoke Alarm
- Once a week, test the alarms using the test button.
- Change the batteries annually.
- Change the entire device at least every 10 years.
- Vacuum any accumulated dust from the detector every six months with a vacuum extender tube.
There are many things users can do to look after the smoke alarm and ensure it is always in excellent working condition. If the user needs help with Tasmania: smoke alarm testing contact FCF.