Smoke Alarms: What You Need to Know

In the event of a fire, properly installed and maintained smoke alarms will provide an early warning alarm to your household. This alarm could save your own life and those of your loved ones providing the chance to escape.

What Type of Smoke Alarms Are Available?

There are many different brands of smoke alarms available on the market but they fall under two basic types: ionization and photoelectric.

Ionization alarms sound more quickly when a flaming, fast-moving fire occurs.  Photoelectric alarms are quicker at sensing smoldering, smoky fires.  There are also combination smoke alarms that combine ionization and photoelectric into one unit, called dual sensor smoke alarms.

Because both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms are better at detecting distinctly different yet potentially fatal fires, and because homeowners cannot predict what type of fire might start in a home, the United States Fire Administration recommends the installation of both ionization and photoelectric or dual sensor smoke alarms.

In addition to the basic types of alarms made to meet the needs of people with hearing disabilities. These alarms may use strobe lights that flash and/or vibrate to assist in alerting those who are unable to hear standard smoke alarms when they sound.

Where Do You Put Them?

Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement. For extra safety, install smoke alarms both inside and outside sleeping areas. Since smoke and many deadly gases rise, installing your smoke alarms at the proper level will provide you with the earliest warning possible. Always follow the manufacturer's installation instructions.

Where Can You Get Smoke Alarms?

Many hardware, home supply, or general merchandise stores carry smoke alarms.

Are Smoke Alarms Hard to Install?

If your smoke alarms are hard wired, that is wired into the electrical system, you will need to have a qualified electrician do the initial installation or install replacements. For battery-powered smoke alarms, all you need for installation is a screw driver. For all installations, be sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions because there are differences between the various brands. 

How Do You Keep Your Smoke Alarm Working?

If you have a smoke alarm with batteries:

1. Smoke alarms powered by long-lasting batteries are designed to replace the entire unit according to manufacturer's instructions.
2. In standard type battery-powered smoke alarms, the batteries need to be replaced at least once per year and the whole unit should be replaced every 8-10 years.
3. In hard-wired, battery back-up smoke alarms, the batteries need to be checked monthly, and replaced at least once per year. The entire unit should be replaced every 8-12 years.

How Long Will Your Smoke Alarm Last?

Most alarms installed today have a life span of about 8-10 years. After this time, the entire unit should be replaced. It is a good idea to write the date of purchase with a marker on the inside of your alarm so you will know when to replace it.  Some newer alarms already have the purchase date written inside. In any event, always follow the manufacturer's instructions for replacement.

Other Things You Should Know

Some smoke alarms are considered to be "hard-wired."  This means they are connected to the household electrical system and may or may not have battery backup. It's important to test every smoke alarm monthly and replace the batteries with new ones at least once a year.

The USFA would like to remind you of some important fire safety and prevention information.

• Plan and practice escape plans several times a year.
• Make sure your whole family knows when and how to call emergency telephone numbers.
• Obtain and learn how to use a fire extinguisher.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors.
• Consider installing residential fire sprinklers in your home.

Finally, the Greenfield Fire Department would like to remind you that March 13 is Daylight Savings and a good time to change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.