What Is a Smoke Detector?
A smoke detector is a crucial safety device that senses smoke and emits a loud alarm within a single unit. When properly installed, tested, and maintained, smoke detectors provide an early warning of fire, significantly increasing your chances of escaping. However, some homes lack smoke detectors, or have detectors with dead batteries, or faulty devices that fail to detect smoke or heat. In today’s advanced technology era, installing smoke detectors in homes, commercial buildings, and industrial settings is a common practice to ensure occupant safety.
Smoke Detector Saves Lives!
What are the two (2) types of smoke detectors?
Ionization : Responds more effectively to flaming fires. They contain a small amount of radioactive material placed between two electrically charged plates, which ionize the air and allow current to flow between the plates. When smoke enters the chamber, it disrupts the ion flow, reducing the current and triggering the smoke detector.
Photoelectric : These detectors operate using a light source, a light beam collimating system, and a photoelectric sensor. When smoke enters the optical chamber and crosses the light beam, the smoke particles scatter some of the light, directing it toward the sensor and activating the smoke detector. Photoelectric detectors are most effective at responding to slow, smoldering fires.
Where Should Smoke Detector Be Installed?
- Install near every bedroom and on every level of your home.
- Smoke seeks the highest level so install no lower than 18 inches from the ceiling.
Make sure to choose the right smoke detector for your house and follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions before installing.
How To Make Sure The Smoke Detector Last Longer?
- Change the batteries at least once a year
- Test each detector monthly by pressing the test button to ensure it functions properly. You can also perform a smoke test by blowing out a candle and letting its smoke drift toward the smoke detector.
- Dust or vacuum the smoke detectors regularly.
- Keep the unit free of paint, stickers, or decorations that may obstruct its function.
- Replace the smoke detectors every 10 years or sooner if it is not working properly.
What Should I Do If The Smoke Detector Is Not Functioning?
- Have a home fire escape plan and make sure that everyone knows about it.
- Practice the pre-planned fire drill at least twice a year.
- Identify 2 ways to exitevery room.
- Decide on a designated meeting place outside the home.
How Effective Are Smoke Detectors?
Smoke detectors are often overlooked but are essential for ensuring home safety. Many fire-related deaths occur at home when people are asleep, particularly at night or early in the morning. Often, breathing in smoke and toxic gases from a fire causes death rather than burns. Fire can spread rapidly, and in less than 3 minutes, it can cause death or serious injury. Homes with properly installed and maintained smoke detectors have significantly lower risks of fire-related fatalities. Having the recommended number of smoke detectors in your home can nearly double your chances of surviving a fire.
For further information, watch this video from DFES of Western Australia.
GET YOUR SMOKE DETECTOR NOW.
