Smoke Alarm Information

What is a Smoke Alarm?

A smoke alarm is a device that detects smoke as an indicator of fire. It is an essential safety feature for homes, offices, and public spaces, providing early warnings in case of a fire.

Types of Smoke Alarms

• Ionization Smoke Alarms: These are generally more responsive to flaming fires. They use a small amount of radioactive material to ionize the air, which helps detect smoke particles in the air.
• Photoelectric Smoke Alarms: These are more responsive to smoldering fires. They use a light sensor that detects the disruption in light when smoke enters the sensor chamber.
• Combination Alarms: Some smoke alarms combine both ionizations and photoelectric technologies for enhanced detection.

Why are Smoke Alarms Important?

• They provide early warning of a fire, which is crucial for evacuating safely and early detection can limit the fire damage to a home or property.
• Smoke Alarms Save Lives!

Where to Install Smoke Alarms?

• On every level of the home, including the basement
• Outside of every sleeping area

Testing and Maintenance

• Test smoke alarms once a month
• Change the batteries every year, some newer smoke alarms have sealed 10 year batteries 
• Change smoke alarms every 10 years