Most fire fatalities occur between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. - while most people are sleeping. Smoke from a residential fire can quickly kill any occupants, while a smoke detector could easily save those lives.
IS ONE SMOKE DETECTOR ENOUGH?
Generally, several detectors are required to provide full protection. Smoke detectors should be installed on every living level of the home, inside each bedroom, and in the main corridor outside each bedroom area.
WHERE SHOULD I INSTALL DETECTORS?
Install a minimum of two detectors even in single level homes. Install a smoke detector in each bedroom as well as the main corridor outside of the bedroom area. Install a smoke detector above stairwells.
ARE THERE OTHER CONSIDERATIONS?
Mount smoke detectors in the middle of the ceiling, if possible. If not, mount detectors on the wall, at least three feet from a corner and 4-6 inches from the ceiling. Keep detectors away from fans or air ducts.
Avoid placing the detector too close to kitchen stoves and bathroom showers. Mount basement detectors at the bottom of the basement stairwell.
WHAT TYPE OF SMOKE DETECTORS ARE THERE?
There are two basic types of smoke detectors: ionization and photo-electronic. Both are effective at detecting fire, yet each has a unique detecting system. Each type of detector comes as AC- operated smoke detectors or battery- powered smoke detectors. Some AC detectors come with a battery back-up system.
HOW DO I MAINTAIN MY SMOKE DETECTORS?
Test your detectors once a week.
Replace the battery in each smoke detector twice a year - use the slogan - "change your clock-change your battery" as a reminder. Never remove the battery unless you are changing batteries.
Clean the detectors at least once a year.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HEAR A SMOKE DETECTOR'S ALARM SOUND?
Never ignore the sound.
Have an escape plan
Feel if the door is hot.
Crawl on the floor.
Meet at a pre-arranged spot outside the home.
Call the fire department from a neighbor's home.
Never go back inside a burning building.
IS YOUR DETECTOR OLD OR NOT WORKING?
If you find that your smoke detector is old or not working , please bring it (and its used batteries) to the Washtenaw County Home Toxics Collection Site at 705 N. Zeeb Road. Open every Saturday Morning from 9am-Noon. They will make sure that 99% of your smoke detector is recycled and the radioactive materials are properly stored. Call 734-222-3950 for more information.