Fire Prevention Week is October 4-10, 2015. This year’s campaign “Hear the beep where you sleep” will educate people on the importance of having working smoke alarms outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, it’s the law. Half of home fire deaths occur between 11pm and 7am, when most people are sleeping.
Smoke alarms are a key part of a fire escape plan. When a fire starts, smoke spreads fast. Working smoke alarms can give you early warning signs to get out. Only working smoke alarms can save lives.
“Hear the Beep Where you sleep” Smoke alarm safety tips:
- Install smoke alarms outside each bedroom and sleeping area. And on every level of the home, including the basement.
- Larger homes may require more smoke alarms.
- Test smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
- Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old because they are expired.
- Smoke alarms should be on the ceiling or high on the wall. Keep smoke alarms at least 10 feet from the stove to reduce false alarms.
- There are also interconnected smoke alarms available, when one smoke alarm goes off, they will all go off. If you have interconnected smoke alarms, it is a good idea to install them in each bedroom as well. You will be alerted immediately which could allow you more time to escape.
- There are two types of smoke alarms. Ionization smoke alarms are quicker to warn about flaming fires. Photoelectric alarms are quicker to warn about smoldering fires. It is best to use both kinds of alarms in your home.
If you are not sure where to mount a smoke alarm, how to maintain them or how to discard old ones check here: https://tinyurl.com/o3yqtyt