Smoke detectors save lives every day in this country. They are a vital and inexpensive addition to any home or trailer. The majority of fatal fires occur at night while most people are sleeping. A fire creates toxic gases that can numb the senses. When sleeping, you may not realize that a fire is burning. The toxic gases will actually put you into a deeper sleep. Therefore, you cannot rely on your own senses to detect if a fire is burning in your house.

Do smoke detectors save lives?

Yes, they do. News reports across the country tell of stories where smoke detectors save lives. Sometimes the detectors are not even installed but still alerted the occupants to fire. Fire departments continually site smoke detectors as lifesavers.

Location of detectors:

Detectors should be installed on a ceiling or on the wall 6-12" from the ceiling.

Homes with one sleeping area:

Detector should be centrally located between the bedrooms.

Homes with more than one sleeping area:

Detectors should be placed in each sleeping area. If possible, we recommend that a smoke detector be in every bedroom of the home as well as the hallway outside the bedrooms.

Multi-story homes:

Detectors should be placed on each level of the family living area. A smoke detector is also recommended in the basement of your home. Place detector in the basement, not at the top of the basement stairs.

To avoid false alarms:

• Place detectors away from furnace or air-conditioner vents.
• Place detectors away from bathrooms to avoid steam.
• Place detectors away from cooking area or fireplaces.

Do not place smoke detectors:

Smoke detectors should not be within 6" of a ceiling where walls and ceiling meet, or near air-conditioning or heat vents. These locations may not receive the required flow of smoke in the early stages of a fire to activate the device.

Maintenance:

It is important to regularly test and clean all smoke detectors. Replace batteries when you change your clocks in the spring and fall, or as the manufacturer recommends. Teach everyone to leave the working batteries in the units, not to remove the batteries for another use. Do not paint a smoke detector. Cobwebs and dust can impair a detector's sensitivity.