Handbooks and Publications - Fire Prevention | Page 15

Fire Prevention Tips
should be near the top of the stairs to the bedroom area. The simplest rule for
placing the basic (or the only) smoke detector in your home should be "between" the
bedrooms and the rest of the house, but closer to the bedrooms." DO NOT put
smoke detectors within six inches of where walls and ceiling meet, or near heating
and cooling ducts.
Detectors located in these areas may not receive the flow of smoke required to
activate them.

Smoke Detector Maintenance
Smoke detectors do not need much attention, except for regular testing and prompt
replacement of batteries or bulbs. Follow these measures for proper maintenance
and use:
1. Test your smoke detector at least once a month by holding a candle six inches
under it. If you're testing an ionization detector, let the flame burn. To test a
photo electric unit, extinguish the candle and let visible smoke drift into the
detector. Heavy tobacco smoke will also work. Within twenty seconds, the
unit's alarm should begin to sound. To stop the alarm, fan the smoke away
from the detector. Soon the detector will become silent, and you can walk
away knowing it's still on guard. Using real smoke is more dependable than
pressing the "test" button found on many older smoke detectors. In some
older units, the button only activates the warning horn or buzzer, and does
not tell you whether the detector circuit itself is working. Some newer
detectors have more refined functional test systems which simulate the
presence of smoke in the chamber. These don't need to be tested with real
smoke. Check the package or instructions of your detector to see if it has this
feature. Some authorities suggest testing every two weeks. This should not
reduce battery life significantly. Testing more often than this may diminish
your battery's endurance.
2. Replace batteries as soon as the detector begins to emit its low-power
warning. Batteries will usually last approximately one year. Replacement
lamps for photo electric detectors should also be kept on hand so that there is
no delay in restoring them to full function.
3. Don't play "false alarm". Remind everyone in your family that the smoke
detector(s) should not be operated, or even touched, except for testing,
maintenance and cleaning.
4. If your detector begins to malfunction during the warranty period, take or
send it at once to the store from which it was bought. Most manufacturers
back up their detectors with a service or replacement warranty.
5. Do not respond to "nuisance" alarms (cooking, fire places, etc.) by
disconnecting the battery. Either fan away the smoke, relocate the detector, or
purchase one with a delay switch.
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