FIRE DEPARTMENT
SMOKE ALARMS
How old are your smoke alarms?
Do you remember when you installed your smoke alarms? How old are the smoke alarms already installed when you moved in? If you are not sure how old they are, it's best to replace them.
Install Smoke Alarms
Install smoke alarms on each level of your home.
- In every bedroom
- In corridors outside the bedrooms
- Above stairwells
Every home should have at least two smoke alarms. The larger your home, the more smoke alarms you must install for adequate protection. For best performance, follow these installation guidelines:
- Mount smoke alarms in the middle of the ceiling if possible. If not, mount them on a wall at least three feet from any corner, and four to six inches from the ceiling.
- Do not install smoke alarms where drafts from fans or air ducts can reach them. The moving air can blow smoke away from the alarm's sensor.
- To avoid nuisance alarms (like those caused by cooking smoke), keep smoke alarms at least ten feet from stoves and steamy showers.
Caring for Smoke Alarms is Fast and Easy!
- Test smoke alarms at least once a month.
- Replace batteries twice a year. It is recommended that you do this in the spring and fall to coincide with the changing of the clocks for daylight savings time.
- Vacuum the outside cover regularly to remove dust and dirt particles.
- Remember - Smoke alarms that are ten or more years old should be replaced
- The best type of smoke alarm is an electrical unit with a battery back-up.
