Monday, November 15, 2010
http://eyespyelectronics.com-statistics from Fires
Statistics Deaths from fires and burns are the fifth most common cause of unintentional injury deaths in the United States (CDC 2005) and the third leading cause of fatal home injury (Runyan 2004). The United States mortality rate from fires ranks fourth among the 25 developed countries for which statistics are available (USFA 2007). Although the number of fatalities and injuries caused by residential fires has declined gradually over the past several decades, many residential fire-related deaths remain preventable and continue to pose a significant public health problem. U.S. Residential Fire Loss: 1997-2006 The residential structure fire problem represented approximately 81 percent of all fire deaths and 79 percent of the injuries to civilians in 2006. Between 1997 and 2006, an average of 3,090 civilians lost their lives and another 15,340 were injured annually as the result of residential structure fires. Residential structures include one- and two-family dwellings (including manufactured homes), apartments, hotels, motels, college dormitories, boarding houses, etc. The following table shows the number of fires, deaths, injuries and dollar loss that occurred in residential structures from 1997 to 2006. Residential Structures Year Fires Deaths Injuries Direct Dollar Loss In Millions 1997 406,500 3,390 17,775 $4,585 1998 381,500 3,250 17,175 $4,391 1999 383,000 2,920 16,425 $5,092 2000 379,500 3,140 15,575 $5,674 2001 396,500 3,140 15,575 $5,643 2002 401,000 2,659 14,050 $6,055 2003 402,000 3,165 14,075 $6,074 2004 410,500 3,225 14,175 $5,948 2005 396,000 3,055 13,825 $6,875 2006 412,500 2,620 12,925 $6,990Source: National Fire Protection Association Fire Loss in the U.S. During 2006 Occurrence and Consequences On average in the United States in 2006, someone died in a fire about every 162 minutes, and someone was injured every 32 minutes (Karter 2007). Four out of five U.S. fire deaths in 2006 occurred in homes (Karter 2007). In 2006, fire departments responded to 412,500 home fires in the United States, which claimed the lives of 2,620 people (not including firefighters) and injured another 12,925, not including firefighters (Karter 2007). Most victims of fires die from smoke inhalation and not from burns (Hall 2002). Fires started by lighted tobacco products, principally cigarettes, constitute the leading cause of residential fire deaths. (USFA 2006) Cooking equipment, most often a range or stovetop, is the leading cause of reported home fires and home fire injuries in the United States. (USFA 2007). Costs In 2006, residential fires caused nearly $7 billion in property damage (Karter 2007). Fire and burn injuries represent 1% of the incidence of injuries and 2% of the total costs of injuries, or $7.5 billion each year (Finkelstein et al. 2006). Males account for $4.8 billion (64%) of the total costs of fire/burn injuries. Females account for $2.7 billion (36%) of the total costs of fire/burn injuries. Fatal fire and burn injuries cost $3 billion, representing 2% of the total costs of all fatal injuries. Hospitalized fire and burn injuries total $1 billion, or 1% of the total cost of all hospitalized injuries. Non-hospitalized fire and burn injuries cost $3 billion, or 2% of the total cost of all non-hospitalized injuries. Groups at Risk Groups at increased risk of fire-related injuries and deaths include: People in the Southeast (USFA 2007) Males (USFA 2007) Children 4 and under (USFA 2007) Older adults ages 60 and older (USFA 2007) African-Americans (USFA 2007) American-Indians (USFA 2007) Rural communities with populations under 2,500 (USFA 2007) The poorest Americans (Istre 2001) Persons living in manufactured homes or substandard housing (Hall 2005) Risk Factors 43 percent of home fire deaths occur in homes without smoke alarms (Ahrens 2007). Most residential fires occur during the winter months (USFA 2001). Alcohol use contributes to an estimated 40% of residential fire deaths (USFA 2003). References Ahrens M. The U.S. Fire Problem Overview Report: Leading Causes and Other Patterns and Trends. Quincy (MA): National Fire Protection Association; 2003. Ahrens M. U.S. Experience with Smoke Alarms and Other Fire Detection/Alarm Equipment. Quincy (MA): National Fire Protection Association; 2007. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Deaths Resulting from Residential Fires and the Prevalence of Smoke Alarms - United States 1991-1995. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 1998; 47(38): 803-6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). National vital statistics system. Hyattsville (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, CDC, National Center for Health Statistics; 1998. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS) [Online]. (2005). National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (producer). Available from: www.cdc.gov/ncipc/wisqars. [Cited 2006 Aug 21]. Finkelstein EA, Corso PS, Miller TR, Associates. Incidence and Economic Burden of Injuries in the United States. New York: Oxford University Press; 2006. Hall JR. Burns, Toxic Gases, and Other Hazards Associated with Fires: Deaths and Injuries in Fire and Non-Fire Situations. Quincy (MA): National Fire Protection Association, Fire Analysis and Research Division; 2002. Hall JR. Burns, Manufactured Home Fires. Quincy (MA): National Fire Protection Association, Fire Analysis and Research Division; 2005. Istre GR, McCoy MA, Osborn L, Barnard JJ, Bolton A. Deaths and Injuries from House Fires. New England Journal of Medicine 2001;344:1911-16. Karter MJ. Fire Loss in the United States during 2005, Abridged Report. Quincy (MA): National Fire Protection Association, Fire Analysis and Research Division; 2006. Runyan SW, Casteel C (Eds.). The State of Home Safety in America: Facts about Unintentional Injuries in the Home, 2nd edition. Washington, D.C.: Home Safety Council, 2004. U.S. Fire Administration (USFA). Behavioral Mitigation of Cooking Fires. Emmitsburg (MD); 2007 U.S. Fire Administration. Behavioral Mitigation of Smoking Fire. Emmitsburg (MD); 2006 U.S. Fire Administration. Fire in the United States 1995 - 2004. Emmitsburg (MD); 2007 U.S. Fire Administration. Mitigation of the Rural Fire Problem. Emmitsburg (MD); 2007 U.S. Fire Administration. Establishing a Relationship Between Alcohol and Casualties of Fire. Emmitsburg (MD); 2003 U.S. Fire Administration. Winter Residential Fires. Emmitsburg (MD); 2001 http://eyespyelectronics.com
Smoke Alarms—Why, Where, and Which
A smoke alarm is critical for the early detection of a fire in your home and could mean the difference between life and death. Fires can occur in a variety of ways and in any room of your home. But no matter where or how, having a smoke alarm is the first key step towards your family's safety.This information is not intended to be all inclusive, but it is intended to inform the reader about some of the safety aspects and importance of having and maintaining working smoke alarms.
Why are Smoke Alarms Important?
Every year in the United States, about 3,000 people lose their lives in residential fires. In a fire, smoke and deadly gases tend to spread farther and faster than heat. That's one reason why most fire victims die from inhalation of smoke and toxic gases, not as a result of burns. A majority of fatal fires happen when families are asleep because occupants are unaware of the fire until there is not adequate time to escape. A smoke alarm stands guard around the clock and, when it first senses smoke, it sounds a shrill alarm. This often allows a family the precious but limited time it takes to escape.
About two-thirds of home fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. Properly installed and maintained smoke alarms are considered to be one of the best and least expensive means of providing an early warning of a potentially deadly fire and could reduce the risk of dying from a fire in your home by almost half.
Where Should Smoke Alarms be Installed?
Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of the home, outside sleeping areas, and inside bedrooms.
A smoke alarm should be installed and maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions. When installing a smoke alarm, many factors influence where you will place it, including how many are to be installed. Consider placing alarms along your escape path to assist in egress in limited visibility conditions. In general you should place alarms in the center of a ceiling or, if you place them on a wall, they should be 6 to 12 inches below the ceiling.
Install a working smoke alarm on every level of the home, outside sleeping areas, and inside bedrooms.
Replace smoke alarm batteries at least annually, such as when resetting clocks in the fall or spring.
Test all smoke alarms in your house once a month.
Do not place a smoke alarm too close to a kitchen appliance or fireplace, as this may result in nuisance alarms.
Avoid locating alarms near bathrooms, heating appliances, windows, or ceiling fans.
Replace smoke alarms that are more than 10 years old. Smoke alarms don't last forever.
Develop and practice a fire escape plan, because working smoke alarms and a fire escape plan will increase your protection in case of a fire.
Which Smoke Alarm Type is Better?
Although there are several choices to make in selecting the right smoke alarms to buy, the most important thing to remember is that smoke alarms save lives. For that reason, you should install a smoke alarm if your home does not have one.
Smoke alarms may contain different or multiple sensors
There are two main types of smoke alarms, which are categorized by the type of smoke detection sensor, ionization and photoelectric, used in the alarm. A smoke alarm uses one or both methods, sometimes with a heat detector, to warn of a fire.
Ionization detectors contain a chamber with two plates that generate a small, continuous electric current. When smoke enters the ionization chamber, the smoke particles disrupt the current flow, which triggers the alarm.
Photoelectric detectors use a light beam and light receptor (photocell). When smoke is present between the light and receptor, depending on the type of smoke chamber configuration, the reduction or increase of light on the photocell sensor triggers the alarm.
Smoke alarms may perform differently
Both ionization and photoelectric detectors are effective smoke sensors. Even though both types of smoke detectors must pass the same tests to be certified to the voluntary standard for smoke alarms, they can perform differently in different types of fires. Ionization detectors respond quickly to flaming fires with smaller combustion particles; photoelectric detectors respond more quickly to smoldering fires. There are combination smoke alarms also that combine ionization and photoelectric detectors into one unit, called dual sensor smoke alarms.
The amount of time a person may have to escape depends on many factors, such as the type of fire, location of the fire, and the closest smoke alarm.
Smoke Alarm Sounds
Do not waste any time saving property. The fire has already developed and the closest smoke alarm has detected the smoke.
Escaping
It may be smoky; getting low may make it easier to breathe and see. Smoke contains toxic gases which can disorient you or, at worst, overcome you.
The time it takes to get out depends on many factors including mobility, helping others, escape route, time of day, smoke, fire, and the location of the fire relative to you.
Exiting the Home
Once you are out of the home, never re-enter the home. ONCE OUT—STAY OUT!
The type of fire, slow smoldering or fast flaming, can determine the amount of time you have to escape before being overcome by smoke, heat, and toxic gases. A slow smoldering fire may go undetected for a long period of time before it erupts into dangerous flames and high heat. A fast flaming fire has a very short amount of time before flames and heat become intense. In either type of fire, once out—stay out.
Fast Moving Flaming Fire
Fast flaming fires don't leave much time for escape. An ionization smoke alarm may be seconds faster than a photoelectric smoke alarm, and those seconds will count in a fast moving flaming fire.
In a flaming fire:
A fire escape plan will help reduce the amount of escape time required for you and your family to get out safely.
These types of fires can develop rapidly; leave the home as fast as possible because the flames, heat, and toxic gases will become too intense in a short time.
If your primary escape path is blocked by smoke, flames, and heat, use your secondary escape method, such as an alternative door or window.
Smoldering fires develop slowly. A photoelectric smoke alarm can be minutes faster than an ionization smoke alarm in responding to a smoldering fire. Regardless of the type of smoke alarm, as soon as the smoke alarm sounds, leave the home as fast as possible.
Smoldering Fire
Smoldering fires develop slowly. A photoelectric smoke alarm can be minutes faster than an ionization smoke alarm in responding to a smoldering fire. Regardless of the type of smoke alarm, as soon as the smoke alarm sounds, leave the home as fast as possible.
In a smoldering fire:
A fire escape plan will help reduce the amount of escape time required for you and your family to get out safely.
When the smoke alarm sounds, leave the home as fast as possible; it is unpredictable when the smoldering fire may burst into a flaming fire.
These types of fires produce a lot of smoke; getting low may make it easier to breathe and see. The smoke contains toxic gases which can disorient you or, at worst, overcome you.
If your primary escape path is blocked by smoke, flames, and heat, use your secondary escape method, such as alternative door or window.
What Features Come on Smoke Alarms?
In addition to the type of smoke detection sensor, ionization and photoelectric, used in the alarm, smoke alarms can be powered differently or be interconnected or single station alarms. Considering all of the available options will enable you to select the smoke alarms that may work best in your situation to effectively detect a fire.
Power
Smoke alarms can be connected to the home's wiring system, battery powered, or a combination of both. Smoke alarms most often fail to alarm because of missing, drained, or disconnected batteries. A good reminder to replace the batteries in smoke alarms is in the fall or spring when resetting the clocks.
For older homes, battery-only smoke alarms are the simplest to install. For homes under construction, smoke alarms are typically connected to the household wiring (hard-wired). Smoke alarms connected to household wiring with battery back-up will provide protection even during power outages. Consider upgrading smoke alarms to hard-wired with battery back-up during a renovation or remodeling project.
If your smoke alarm begins to chirp, signaling low battery power, replace the batteries immediately to prevent you and your family from being unprotected. Also make sure that everyone in the house understands how important it is to have working batteries in every smoke alarm and how dangerous it is to remove the batteries even for a short time. Smoke alarms with sealed lithium batteries can last up to 10 years; after 10 years, the entire unit is disposable.
Interconnection
Interconnected smoke alarms may provide improved protection and offer more escape time in a fire. This type of smoke alarm allows all smoke alarms to sound if one has detected smoke. With interconnected smoke alarms, a fire in the basement, for example, will trigger the closest smoke alarm and alert all the occupants in the home by sounding all the smoke alarms. Not all homes have interconnected smoke alarms. Prior to 1989, existing homes typically had independent single-station, battery-only-powered smoke alarms. After 1989, new homes included hard-wired, interconnected smoke alarms.
Interconnected smoke alarms are typically connected using a wire, but newer wireless technology is available that allows smoke alarms to be interconnected without using wires. This allows easier and less costly upgrade to interconnected smoke alarms for older homes. Not all homes may need interconnected smoke alarms. Small, single-level homes may not benefit from interconnected smoke alarms because of the close proximity between smoke alarms.
Features on smoke alarms for your home:
Depending on your home, smoke alarms can be powered in one of several ways.
House wiring
House wiring with battery back-up
Replaceable batteries, such as 9 volts
Sealed long life batteries; smoke alarms are disposed of after 10 years.
Interconnected smoke alarms may offer quicker escape time and improved audibility.
Hard-wired interconnected smoke alarms can be found in most homes built after 1989.
Wireless interconnected smoke alarms are an alternative for older homes using single-station smoke alarms.
Which Smoke Alarm to Install?
Guide to selecting the smoke alarms to protect you and your family
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, use these guidelines to help best protect your family:
BEST
IF YOU DON'T HAVE A SMOKE ALARM INSTALLED IN YOUR HOME, GET ONE AND INSTALL IT.
Install a working smoke alarm on every level of the home, outside sleeping areas, and inside bedrooms.
Install both ionization and photoelectric type smoke alarms.
Install interconnected smoke alarms.
Install smoke alarms using house wiring with battery back-up.
Better
IF YOU DON'T HAVE A SMOKE ALARM INSTALLED IN YOUR HOME, GET ONE AND INSTALL IT.
Install more than one smoke alarm.
Install interconnected smoke alarms.
Install smoke alarms with sealed 10 year batteries.
Good
IF YOU DON'T HAVE A SMOKE ALARM INSTALLED IN YOUR HOME, GET ONE AND INSTALL IT.
Regular testing is the only way to make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test your smoke alarms once a month and installing more than one smoke alarm. If you test it less often and only have one smoke alarm, a non-working smoke alarm may leave you and your family unprotected.
A Fire Escape Plan May Save You and Your Family
Installing working smoke alarms is an essential, but they don't save lives unless everyone knows how to get out of the home safely. Make sure everyone knows how to escape when the smoke alarm sounds, whether awake or sleeping at the time. In your plan, have two ways out of each room, a prearranged meeting place outside and, most importantly, ONCE OUT—STAY OUT!
Minimizing the amount of time it takes to get out can improve your chances of surviving a hazardous home fire. Having a fire escape plan for you and your family can reduce the amount of time it takes to get out. Practicing the fire escape plan will help everyone understand what to do and where to meet.
Follow these steps when developing a fire escape plan for you and your family:
Practice escaping from every room in the home.
The best plans have two ways to get out of each room. If the primary way is blocked by fire or smoke, you will need a second way out.
Practice the escape plan with your family during the day and at night. Children, older adults, and the hearing-impaired may sleep through a fire alarm or may need assistance in escaping.
Designate a meeting location away from the home, but not necessarily across the street.
For example, meet under a specific tree or at the end of the driveway or front sidewalk to make sure everyone has gotten out safely and no one will be hurt looking for someone who is already safe.
Designate one person to go to a neighbor's home to phone the fire department.
Practice the fire escape plan twice a year.
Safe Practices and Preventing a Fire in the Home
There are more than 300,000 residential fires a year. Working smoke alarms are a key factor in surviving a fire, but safe practices in the home are the first line of defense in preventing a fire from ever starting. Many residential fires and fire-related deaths are preventable. A fire can occur in anyone's home and does not discriminate against age, race, or education.
The type of structure and the furnishings in a home play key roles in the type and progression of fire. It is difficult to accurately predict the type of fire that might occur in your home, but some simple safety steps can help reduce the risk of fire and better protect your family.
Safety around cooking appliances
Cooking equipment accounts for the largest percentage of residential fires. Because of oils used these fires are most often flaming fires. However, normal cooking can also produce steam, smoke, and fumes that set off alarms. Disabling a smoke alarm to silence frequent nuisance alarms could be a fatal mistake. Instead, moving the smoke alarm farther away from the cooking appliance may help prevent nuisance alarms and still provide adequate detection of the small fast moving fires that occur in the kitchen.
Follow these steps to prevent cooking fires in the home:
Always keep an eye on food being heated. Unattended cooking causes the majority of fires in the kitchen.
If you leave the kitchen, set a timer to remind you that something is on the stove.
Keep children away from appliances when cooking. Have a "kid-free zone" around the stove and teach youngsters not to play in that area.
Roll-up sleeves or, if possible, wear short or tight fitting sleeves when cooking. Loose fitting clothing and sleeves can be dangerous near open flames.
Try not to reach over the stove. You can avoid this by not storing items you use directly over or behind the stovetop.
Turn handles inward so pots and pans won't be pulled or knocked off the stove.
Check heating and cooling equipment
Heating and cooling equipment fires constitute the second largest share of residential fires. Home heating equipment includes central heating units, portable and stationary space heaters, fireplaces, chimneys, and heat transfer systems, as well as some devices not used to heat living spaces, most notably water heaters.
Follow these steps to prevent heating and cooling appliance fires in the home:
Have a professional technician inspect your heating, cooling, and water appliances annually.
Have the fireplace chimney checked and cleaned routinely by a chimney "sweep" at least once a year.
Do not leave a portable heater operating unattended or operating while sleeping. Portable electric air heaters are designed for use only as temporary supplemental heating and only while attended.
Look for portable heaters that are listed by a nationally-recognized testing laboratory. These heaters have been tested to meet specific safety standards, and manufacturers are required to provide important use and care information to the consumer.
Check electrical cords and lighting
Electrical fires from wiring and lighting are the third leading cause of residential fires. Fire deaths are highest in winter months which call for more indoor activities and an increase in lighting, heating, and appliance use. Most electrical fires result from problems with installed wiring such as faulty electrical outlets and old wiring. Problems with cords and plugs, such as extension and appliance cords, also cause many home electrical fires.
Follow theses steps to prevent electrical fires in the home:
Do not use any electrical cord that is stiff or cracked. The insulation on electrical cords can become damaged by wear, flexing, or age.
Inspect electrical cords for frayed wires, which can cause fires. Replace all worn, old or damaged cords immediately.
Install additional receptacles where needed. Extension cords should never be used as a long-term solution to the need for installing additional receptacles.
Never use damaged electrical cords. Cords can become damaged when run under rugs or furniture.
Keep combustibles away from light bulbs. Light bulbs, especially halogen types, get very hot and can ignite combustible materials that get too close.
Never place clothing or towels on top of a lampshade. Do not use table lamps without a shade where they might fall over onto a bed or sofa.
Use the correct wattage bulb for the fixture. Most light fixtures are labeled to show the type of and highest wattage bulb that can be safely used in that fixture; too high a wattage bulb can cause the fixture to overheat and start a fire.
Safety around upholstered furniture and mattresses
Upholstered furniture and mattresses and bedding are the items first ignited and involved in the greatest numbers of fire deaths. These items are commonly ignited by open flame products (such as candles, cigarette lighters, and matches) or smoking materials (primarily cigarettes). Young children playing with matches and lighters are often involved in starting these fires and, unfortunately, are also their primary victims.
Follow these steps to prevent fires in the home:
Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of young children.
Exercise caution when using candles. Do not leave candles unattended or lit while sleeping.
Candles should be kept away from combustibles. Extinguish candles when you leave the room. If power is out, consider using flashlights instead.
Never smoke in bed and extinguish tobacco products when tired.
Use an ash tray when smoking. Get a Smoke Alarm
In the event of a fire, a smoke alarm can save your life and those of your loved ones. They are the single most important means of preventing house and apartment fire fatalities by providing an early warning signal—so you and your family can escape.
The Impact of Smoke Alarms
In the 1960's, the average U. S. citizen had never heard of a smoke alarm. By 1995, an estimated 93 percent of all American homes - single - and multi- family, apartments, nursing homes, dormitories, etc. - were equipped with alarms. By the mid 1980's, smoke alarm laws, requiring that alarms be placed in all new and existing residences - existed in 38 states and thousands of municipalities nationwide. And smoke alarm provisions have been adopted by all of the model building code organizations.
Fire services across the country have played a major and influential public education role in alerting the public to the benefits of smoke alarms. Another key factor in this huge and rapid penetration of both the marketplace and the builder community has been the development and marketing of low cost alarms by commercial companies. In the early 1970's, the cost of protecting a three bedroom home with professionally installed alarms was approximately $1000; today the cost of owner-installed alarms in the same house has come down to as little as $10 per alarm, or less than $50 for the entire home. This cost structure, combined with effective public education (including key private-public partnerships), has caused a huge percentage of America's consumers, whether they are renting or buying, to demand smoke alarm protection. The impact of smoke alarms on fire safety and protection is dramatic and can be simply stated. When fire breaks out, the smoke alarm, functioning as an early warning system, reduces the risk of dying by nearly 50 percent. Alarms are most people's first line of defense against fire.
Why should my home have smoke alarms?
In the event of a fire, properly installed and maintained smoke alarms will provide an early warning signal to your household. This alarm could save your own life and those of your loved ones by providing the chance to escape. Smoke alarms are one of the best safety features you can buy and install to protect yourself, your family and your home.
What types 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 U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) recommends the installation of both ionization and photoelectric or dual sensor smoke alarms.
In addition to the basic types of alarms, there are 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.
Important
USFA recommends the installation of both ionization and photoelectric or dual sensor smoke alarms. For extra safety, install smoke alarms both inside and outside sleeping areas.
Okay, where do I put them?
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement. Many fatal fires begin late at night or in the early morning. For extra safety, install smoke alarms both inside and outside the sleeping area.
Where would I get smoke alarms?
Many hardware, home supply or general merchandise stores carry smoke alarms. Make sure the alarm you buy is UL-listed. If you are unsure where to buy one in your community, call your local fire department (on a non-emergency telephone number) and they will provide you with some suggestions. Some fire departments offer smoke alarms for little or no cost.
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 will need for installation is a screw driver. Some brands are self adhesive and will easily stick to the wall or ceiling where they are placed. For all smoke alarm installations, be sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions because there are differences between the various brands. If you are uncomfortable standing on a ladder, ask a relative or friend for help. Some fire departments will install a smoke alarm in your home for you. Call your local fire department (on a non-emergency telephone number) if you have problems installing a smoke alarm.
Also, smoke alarms should be installed on the ceiling or 6 to 8 inches below the ceiling on side walls. 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.
How do I keep my smoke alarms working?
If you have a smoke alarm with batteries:
Smoke alarms powered by long-lasting batteries are designed to replace the entire unit according to manufacturer's instructions.
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.
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 8-10 years.
Important
Pick a holiday or your birthday and replace the batteries each year on that day.
Some smoke alarms now on the market come with a ten-year battery. These alarms are designed to be replaced as a whole unit, thus avoiding the need for battery replacement.
If your smoke alarm starts making a "chirping" noise, replace the batteries and reset it.
What if the alarm goes off while I'm cooking?
Then it's doing its job. Do not disable your smoke alarm if it alarms due to cooking or other non-fire causes. You may not remember to put the batteries back in the alarm after cooking. Instead, clear the air by waving a towel near the alarm, leaving the batteries in place. The alarm may have to be moved to a new location. Some of the newer models have a "hush" button that silences nuisance alarms.
How long will my 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 of the newer alarms already have the purchase date written inside. In any event, always follow the manufacturer's instructions for replacement.
Anything else I 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 back-up. It's important to test every smoke alarm monthly and replace the batteries with new ones at least once a year.
FireSafety.gov 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.
Contact your local fire department on a non-emergency phone number if you need help or have questions about fire safety in your home.
Your Smoke Alarm Checklist
The Smoke Alarms in My Home...
are installed on every level, especially near sleeping areas.
are tested once a month.
have their batteries replaced with new ones at least once a year.
are vacuumed over and kept free of dust.
have their batteries replaced and are retested, should they start making a "chirping" noise.
are replaced with new smoke alarms every 10 years.
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http://eyespyelectronics.com
A smoke alarm is critical for the early detection of a fire in your home and could mean the difference between life and death. Fires can occur in a variety of ways and in any room of your home. But no matter where or how, having a smoke alarm is the first key step towards your family's safety.This information is not intended to be all inclusive, but it is intended to inform the reader about some of the safety aspects and importance of having and maintaining working smoke alarms.
Why are Smoke Alarms Important?
Every year in the United States, about 3,000 people lose their lives in residential fires. In a fire, smoke and deadly gases tend to spread farther and faster than heat. That's one reason why most fire victims die from inhalation of smoke and toxic gases, not as a result of burns. A majority of fatal fires happen when families are asleep because occupants are unaware of the fire until there is not adequate time to escape. A smoke alarm stands guard around the clock and, when it first senses smoke, it sounds a shrill alarm. This often allows a family the precious but limited time it takes to escape.
About two-thirds of home fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. Properly installed and maintained smoke alarms are considered to be one of the best and least expensive means of providing an early warning of a potentially deadly fire and could reduce the risk of dying from a fire in your home by almost half.
Where Should Smoke Alarms be Installed?
Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of the home, outside sleeping areas, and inside bedrooms.
A smoke alarm should be installed and maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions. When installing a smoke alarm, many factors influence where you will place it, including how many are to be installed. Consider placing alarms along your escape path to assist in egress in limited visibility conditions. In general you should place alarms in the center of a ceiling or, if you place them on a wall, they should be 6 to 12 inches below the ceiling.
Install a working smoke alarm on every level of the home, outside sleeping areas, and inside bedrooms.
Replace smoke alarm batteries at least annually, such as when resetting clocks in the fall or spring.
Test all smoke alarms in your house once a month.
Do not place a smoke alarm too close to a kitchen appliance or fireplace, as this may result in nuisance alarms.
Avoid locating alarms near bathrooms, heating appliances, windows, or ceiling fans.
Replace smoke alarms that are more than 10 years old. Smoke alarms don't last forever.
Develop and practice a fire escape plan, because working smoke alarms and a fire escape plan will increase your protection in case of a fire.
Which Smoke Alarm Type is Better?
Although there are several choices to make in selecting the right smoke alarms to buy, the most important thing to remember is that smoke alarms save lives. For that reason, you should install a smoke alarm if your home does not have one.
Smoke alarms may contain different or multiple sensors
There are two main types of smoke alarms, which are categorized by the type of smoke detection sensor, ionization and photoelectric, used in the alarm. A smoke alarm uses one or both methods, sometimes with a heat detector, to warn of a fire.
Ionization detectors contain a chamber with two plates that generate a small, continuous electric current. When smoke enters the ionization chamber, the smoke particles disrupt the current flow, which triggers the alarm.
Photoelectric detectors use a light beam and light receptor (photocell). When smoke is present between the light and receptor, depending on the type of smoke chamber configuration, the reduction or increase of light on the photocell sensor triggers the alarm.
Smoke alarms may perform differently
Both ionization and photoelectric detectors are effective smoke sensors. Even though both types of smoke detectors must pass the same tests to be certified to the voluntary standard for smoke alarms, they can perform differently in different types of fires. Ionization detectors respond quickly to flaming fires with smaller combustion particles; photoelectric detectors respond more quickly to smoldering fires. There are combination smoke alarms also that combine ionization and photoelectric detectors into one unit, called dual sensor smoke alarms.
The amount of time a person may have to escape depends on many factors, such as the type of fire, location of the fire, and the closest smoke alarm.
Smoke Alarm Sounds
Do not waste any time saving property. The fire has already developed and the closest smoke alarm has detected the smoke.
Escaping
It may be smoky; getting low may make it easier to breathe and see. Smoke contains toxic gases which can disorient you or, at worst, overcome you.
The time it takes to get out depends on many factors including mobility, helping others, escape route, time of day, smoke, fire, and the location of the fire relative to you.
Exiting the Home
Once you are out of the home, never re-enter the home. ONCE OUT—STAY OUT!
The type of fire, slow smoldering or fast flaming, can determine the amount of time you have to escape before being overcome by smoke, heat, and toxic gases. A slow smoldering fire may go undetected for a long period of time before it erupts into dangerous flames and high heat. A fast flaming fire has a very short amount of time before flames and heat become intense. In either type of fire, once out—stay out.
Fast Moving Flaming Fire
Fast flaming fires don't leave much time for escape. An ionization smoke alarm may be seconds faster than a photoelectric smoke alarm, and those seconds will count in a fast moving flaming fire.
In a flaming fire:
A fire escape plan will help reduce the amount of escape time required for you and your family to get out safely.
These types of fires can develop rapidly; leave the home as fast as possible because the flames, heat, and toxic gases will become too intense in a short time.
If your primary escape path is blocked by smoke, flames, and heat, use your secondary escape method, such as an alternative door or window.
Smoldering fires develop slowly. A photoelectric smoke alarm can be minutes faster than an ionization smoke alarm in responding to a smoldering fire. Regardless of the type of smoke alarm, as soon as the smoke alarm sounds, leave the home as fast as possible.
Smoldering Fire
Smoldering fires develop slowly. A photoelectric smoke alarm can be minutes faster than an ionization smoke alarm in responding to a smoldering fire. Regardless of the type of smoke alarm, as soon as the smoke alarm sounds, leave the home as fast as possible.
In a smoldering fire:
A fire escape plan will help reduce the amount of escape time required for you and your family to get out safely.
When the smoke alarm sounds, leave the home as fast as possible; it is unpredictable when the smoldering fire may burst into a flaming fire.
These types of fires produce a lot of smoke; getting low may make it easier to breathe and see. The smoke contains toxic gases which can disorient you or, at worst, overcome you.
If your primary escape path is blocked by smoke, flames, and heat, use your secondary escape method, such as alternative door or window.
What Features Come on Smoke Alarms?
In addition to the type of smoke detection sensor, ionization and photoelectric, used in the alarm, smoke alarms can be powered differently or be interconnected or single station alarms. Considering all of the available options will enable you to select the smoke alarms that may work best in your situation to effectively detect a fire.
Power
Smoke alarms can be connected to the home's wiring system, battery powered, or a combination of both. Smoke alarms most often fail to alarm because of missing, drained, or disconnected batteries. A good reminder to replace the batteries in smoke alarms is in the fall or spring when resetting the clocks.
For older homes, battery-only smoke alarms are the simplest to install. For homes under construction, smoke alarms are typically connected to the household wiring (hard-wired). Smoke alarms connected to household wiring with battery back-up will provide protection even during power outages. Consider upgrading smoke alarms to hard-wired with battery back-up during a renovation or remodeling project.
If your smoke alarm begins to chirp, signaling low battery power, replace the batteries immediately to prevent you and your family from being unprotected. Also make sure that everyone in the house understands how important it is to have working batteries in every smoke alarm and how dangerous it is to remove the batteries even for a short time. Smoke alarms with sealed lithium batteries can last up to 10 years; after 10 years, the entire unit is disposable.
Interconnection
Interconnected smoke alarms may provide improved protection and offer more escape time in a fire. This type of smoke alarm allows all smoke alarms to sound if one has detected smoke. With interconnected smoke alarms, a fire in the basement, for example, will trigger the closest smoke alarm and alert all the occupants in the home by sounding all the smoke alarms. Not all homes have interconnected smoke alarms. Prior to 1989, existing homes typically had independent single-station, battery-only-powered smoke alarms. After 1989, new homes included hard-wired, interconnected smoke alarms.
Interconnected smoke alarms are typically connected using a wire, but newer wireless technology is available that allows smoke alarms to be interconnected without using wires. This allows easier and less costly upgrade to interconnected smoke alarms for older homes. Not all homes may need interconnected smoke alarms. Small, single-level homes may not benefit from interconnected smoke alarms because of the close proximity between smoke alarms.
Features on smoke alarms for your home:
Depending on your home, smoke alarms can be powered in one of several ways.
House wiring
House wiring with battery back-up
Replaceable batteries, such as 9 volts
Sealed long life batteries; smoke alarms are disposed of after 10 years.
Interconnected smoke alarms may offer quicker escape time and improved audibility.
Hard-wired interconnected smoke alarms can be found in most homes built after 1989.
Wireless interconnected smoke alarms are an alternative for older homes using single-station smoke alarms.
Which Smoke Alarm to Install?
Guide to selecting the smoke alarms to protect you and your family
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, use these guidelines to help best protect your family:
BEST
IF YOU DON'T HAVE A SMOKE ALARM INSTALLED IN YOUR HOME, GET ONE AND INSTALL IT.
Install a working smoke alarm on every level of the home, outside sleeping areas, and inside bedrooms.
Install both ionization and photoelectric type smoke alarms.
Install interconnected smoke alarms.
Install smoke alarms using house wiring with battery back-up.
Better
IF YOU DON'T HAVE A SMOKE ALARM INSTALLED IN YOUR HOME, GET ONE AND INSTALL IT.
Install more than one smoke alarm.
Install interconnected smoke alarms.
Install smoke alarms with sealed 10 year batteries.
Good
IF YOU DON'T HAVE A SMOKE ALARM INSTALLED IN YOUR HOME, GET ONE AND INSTALL IT.
Regular testing is the only way to make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test your smoke alarms once a month and installing more than one smoke alarm. If you test it less often and only have one smoke alarm, a non-working smoke alarm may leave you and your family unprotected.
A Fire Escape Plan May Save You and Your Family
Installing working smoke alarms is an essential, but they don't save lives unless everyone knows how to get out of the home safely. Make sure everyone knows how to escape when the smoke alarm sounds, whether awake or sleeping at the time. In your plan, have two ways out of each room, a prearranged meeting place outside and, most importantly, ONCE OUT—STAY OUT!
Minimizing the amount of time it takes to get out can improve your chances of surviving a hazardous home fire. Having a fire escape plan for you and your family can reduce the amount of time it takes to get out. Practicing the fire escape plan will help everyone understand what to do and where to meet.
Follow these steps when developing a fire escape plan for you and your family:
Practice escaping from every room in the home.
The best plans have two ways to get out of each room. If the primary way is blocked by fire or smoke, you will need a second way out.
Practice the escape plan with your family during the day and at night. Children, older adults, and the hearing-impaired may sleep through a fire alarm or may need assistance in escaping.
Designate a meeting location away from the home, but not necessarily across the street.
For example, meet under a specific tree or at the end of the driveway or front sidewalk to make sure everyone has gotten out safely and no one will be hurt looking for someone who is already safe.
Designate one person to go to a neighbor's home to phone the fire department.
Practice the fire escape plan twice a year.
Safe Practices and Preventing a Fire in the Home
There are more than 300,000 residential fires a year. Working smoke alarms are a key factor in surviving a fire, but safe practices in the home are the first line of defense in preventing a fire from ever starting. Many residential fires and fire-related deaths are preventable. A fire can occur in anyone's home and does not discriminate against age, race, or education.
The type of structure and the furnishings in a home play key roles in the type and progression of fire. It is difficult to accurately predict the type of fire that might occur in your home, but some simple safety steps can help reduce the risk of fire and better protect your family.
Safety around cooking appliances
Cooking equipment accounts for the largest percentage of residential fires. Because of oils used these fires are most often flaming fires. However, normal cooking can also produce steam, smoke, and fumes that set off alarms. Disabling a smoke alarm to silence frequent nuisance alarms could be a fatal mistake. Instead, moving the smoke alarm farther away from the cooking appliance may help prevent nuisance alarms and still provide adequate detection of the small fast moving fires that occur in the kitchen.
Follow these steps to prevent cooking fires in the home:
Always keep an eye on food being heated. Unattended cooking causes the majority of fires in the kitchen.
If you leave the kitchen, set a timer to remind you that something is on the stove.
Keep children away from appliances when cooking. Have a "kid-free zone" around the stove and teach youngsters not to play in that area.
Roll-up sleeves or, if possible, wear short or tight fitting sleeves when cooking. Loose fitting clothing and sleeves can be dangerous near open flames.
Try not to reach over the stove. You can avoid this by not storing items you use directly over or behind the stovetop.
Turn handles inward so pots and pans won't be pulled or knocked off the stove.
Check heating and cooling equipment
Heating and cooling equipment fires constitute the second largest share of residential fires. Home heating equipment includes central heating units, portable and stationary space heaters, fireplaces, chimneys, and heat transfer systems, as well as some devices not used to heat living spaces, most notably water heaters.
Follow these steps to prevent heating and cooling appliance fires in the home:
Have a professional technician inspect your heating, cooling, and water appliances annually.
Have the fireplace chimney checked and cleaned routinely by a chimney "sweep" at least once a year.
Do not leave a portable heater operating unattended or operating while sleeping. Portable electric air heaters are designed for use only as temporary supplemental heating and only while attended.
Look for portable heaters that are listed by a nationally-recognized testing laboratory. These heaters have been tested to meet specific safety standards, and manufacturers are required to provide important use and care information to the consumer.
Check electrical cords and lighting
Electrical fires from wiring and lighting are the third leading cause of residential fires. Fire deaths are highest in winter months which call for more indoor activities and an increase in lighting, heating, and appliance use. Most electrical fires result from problems with installed wiring such as faulty electrical outlets and old wiring. Problems with cords and plugs, such as extension and appliance cords, also cause many home electrical fires.
Follow theses steps to prevent electrical fires in the home:
Do not use any electrical cord that is stiff or cracked. The insulation on electrical cords can become damaged by wear, flexing, or age.
Inspect electrical cords for frayed wires, which can cause fires. Replace all worn, old or damaged cords immediately.
Install additional receptacles where needed. Extension cords should never be used as a long-term solution to the need for installing additional receptacles.
Never use damaged electrical cords. Cords can become damaged when run under rugs or furniture.
Keep combustibles away from light bulbs. Light bulbs, especially halogen types, get very hot and can ignite combustible materials that get too close.
Never place clothing or towels on top of a lampshade. Do not use table lamps without a shade where they might fall over onto a bed or sofa.
Use the correct wattage bulb for the fixture. Most light fixtures are labeled to show the type of and highest wattage bulb that can be safely used in that fixture; too high a wattage bulb can cause the fixture to overheat and start a fire.
Safety around upholstered furniture and mattresses
Upholstered furniture and mattresses and bedding are the items first ignited and involved in the greatest numbers of fire deaths. These items are commonly ignited by open flame products (such as candles, cigarette lighters, and matches) or smoking materials (primarily cigarettes). Young children playing with matches and lighters are often involved in starting these fires and, unfortunately, are also their primary victims.
Follow these steps to prevent fires in the home:
Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of young children.
Exercise caution when using candles. Do not leave candles unattended or lit while sleeping.
Candles should be kept away from combustibles. Extinguish candles when you leave the room. If power is out, consider using flashlights instead.
Never smoke in bed and extinguish tobacco products when tired.
Use an ash tray when smoking. Get a Smoke Alarm
In the event of a fire, a smoke alarm can save your life and those of your loved ones. They are the single most important means of preventing house and apartment fire fatalities by providing an early warning signal—so you and your family can escape.
The Impact of Smoke Alarms
In the 1960's, the average U. S. citizen had never heard of a smoke alarm. By 1995, an estimated 93 percent of all American homes - single - and multi- family, apartments, nursing homes, dormitories, etc. - were equipped with alarms. By the mid 1980's, smoke alarm laws, requiring that alarms be placed in all new and existing residences - existed in 38 states and thousands of municipalities nationwide. And smoke alarm provisions have been adopted by all of the model building code organizations.
Fire services across the country have played a major and influential public education role in alerting the public to the benefits of smoke alarms. Another key factor in this huge and rapid penetration of both the marketplace and the builder community has been the development and marketing of low cost alarms by commercial companies. In the early 1970's, the cost of protecting a three bedroom home with professionally installed alarms was approximately $1000; today the cost of owner-installed alarms in the same house has come down to as little as $10 per alarm, or less than $50 for the entire home. This cost structure, combined with effective public education (including key private-public partnerships), has caused a huge percentage of America's consumers, whether they are renting or buying, to demand smoke alarm protection. The impact of smoke alarms on fire safety and protection is dramatic and can be simply stated. When fire breaks out, the smoke alarm, functioning as an early warning system, reduces the risk of dying by nearly 50 percent. Alarms are most people's first line of defense against fire.
Why should my home have smoke alarms?
In the event of a fire, properly installed and maintained smoke alarms will provide an early warning signal to your household. This alarm could save your own life and those of your loved ones by providing the chance to escape. Smoke alarms are one of the best safety features you can buy and install to protect yourself, your family and your home.
What types 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 U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) recommends the installation of both ionization and photoelectric or dual sensor smoke alarms.
In addition to the basic types of alarms, there are 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.
Important
USFA recommends the installation of both ionization and photoelectric or dual sensor smoke alarms. For extra safety, install smoke alarms both inside and outside sleeping areas.
Okay, where do I put them?
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement. Many fatal fires begin late at night or in the early morning. For extra safety, install smoke alarms both inside and outside the sleeping area.
Where would I get smoke alarms?
Many hardware, home supply or general merchandise stores carry smoke alarms. Make sure the alarm you buy is UL-listed. If you are unsure where to buy one in your community, call your local fire department (on a non-emergency telephone number) and they will provide you with some suggestions. Some fire departments offer smoke alarms for little or no cost.
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 will need for installation is a screw driver. Some brands are self adhesive and will easily stick to the wall or ceiling where they are placed. For all smoke alarm installations, be sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions because there are differences between the various brands. If you are uncomfortable standing on a ladder, ask a relative or friend for help. Some fire departments will install a smoke alarm in your home for you. Call your local fire department (on a non-emergency telephone number) if you have problems installing a smoke alarm.
Also, smoke alarms should be installed on the ceiling or 6 to 8 inches below the ceiling on side walls. 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.
How do I keep my smoke alarms working?
If you have a smoke alarm with batteries:
Smoke alarms powered by long-lasting batteries are designed to replace the entire unit according to manufacturer's instructions.
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.
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 8-10 years.
Important
Pick a holiday or your birthday and replace the batteries each year on that day.
Some smoke alarms now on the market come with a ten-year battery. These alarms are designed to be replaced as a whole unit, thus avoiding the need for battery replacement.
If your smoke alarm starts making a "chirping" noise, replace the batteries and reset it.
What if the alarm goes off while I'm cooking?
Then it's doing its job. Do not disable your smoke alarm if it alarms due to cooking or other non-fire causes. You may not remember to put the batteries back in the alarm after cooking. Instead, clear the air by waving a towel near the alarm, leaving the batteries in place. The alarm may have to be moved to a new location. Some of the newer models have a "hush" button that silences nuisance alarms.
How long will my 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 of the newer alarms already have the purchase date written inside. In any event, always follow the manufacturer's instructions for replacement.
Anything else I 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 back-up. It's important to test every smoke alarm monthly and replace the batteries with new ones at least once a year.
FireSafety.gov 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.
Contact your local fire department on a non-emergency phone number if you need help or have questions about fire safety in your home.
Your Smoke Alarm Checklist
The Smoke Alarms in My Home...
are installed on every level, especially near sleeping areas.
are tested once a month.
have their batteries replaced with new ones at least once a year.
are vacuumed over and kept free of dust.
have their batteries replaced and are retested, should they start making a "chirping" noise.
are replaced with new smoke alarms every 10 years.
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