SMOKE ALARMS

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SAFETY TIPS

• Be sure the smoke alarm you purchase has the label of an independent testing laboratory such as UL (Underwriters Laboratory).
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions on installing and placement of the smoke alarm.
• Install at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home (including the basement) and outside each sleeping area of the house. If you sleep with your bedroom door closed, install a smoke alarm inside the bedroom.
• Apartment buildings and condos should have smoke alarms on the uppermost ceiling of all interior stairwells.
• Smoke alarms should be mounted on ceilings or high on walls; ceiling mounted alarms should be placed 4 inches or more away from the nearest wall (on vaulted ceilings, be sure to mount the alarm at the highest point of the ceiling). Wall mounted alarms should be placed 4 - 12 inches from the ceiling.
• Smoke alarms should not be placed near windows, doors, forced-air registers or ceiling fans where drafts could interfere with their operation.
• People with hearing impairments can install smoke alarms with louder alarm signals and/or strobe lights to alert them to a fire.
• Smoke alarms that are hard-wired to the home's electrical system should be installed by a qualified electrician.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month by using the "test button" or an approved smoke substitute.
• Clean smoke alarms in accordance to the manufacturer's instructions.
• Replace batteries in smoke alarms at least twice a year or when the alarm "chirps" (warning that the battery is low).
• Replace all smoke alarm batteries when moving into a new residence.
• Do not remove the batteries from the smoke alarm for any other purpose.
• Nuisance activation's can be addressed by moving the unit farther away from the kitchen smoke or bathroom steam and by more frequent cleaning. If the problem persists, replace the smoke alarm.
• Replace smoke alarms every ten years.
• Be sure everyone in your household recognizes the sound of the smoke alarm.
• Have a home escape plan and practice using it in case of a fire.

The safety information enclosed was compiled from the best sources available to us. The Illinois Fire Safety Alliance and authors cannot assume any liability for its effectiveness in every emergency situation.