| A smoke detector is the best early warning device | | | | of the alarms on the same wiring when one detector |
| you can have in your home to signal residents in the | | | | goes off.) |
| event of smoke or fire. A loud, high pitched beep is | | | | Then there are smoke detectors which run off a |
| emitted when smoke is detected which alerts | | | | battery only. These are okay as long as you |
| residents and allows them to evacuate before the | | | | remember to test it and change the battery at least |
| house is overtaken by fire. The loud noise of the | | | | every 6 months. If the detector is in a hard to reach |
| smoke detector is essential to your survival since most | | | | area with no electric running to it, a lithium battery |
| house fires will happen at night when the occupants | | | | smoke detector may be more practical, as this battery |
| are sleeping. | | | | lasts up to 10 years. |
| Before you begin shopping for your smoke detectors it | | | | The latest on the market, for those that want the |
| is best to check with your fire marshal to see if there | | | | detectors to interconnect with each other but they do |
| are specific codes in your area that must be met. The | | | | not have the wiring set up, are the wireless smoke |
| codes in your area may determine which type below | | | | systems. These are expensive in comparison to other |
| you will need to purchase. | | | | smoke detectors but are cheaper than the cost of an |
| You want to make sure that the smoke detector you | | | | electrician and any sheet rock replacement after |
| are considering is Underwriter's Laboratory or UL | | | | installation. |
| tested and rated. This company uses extensive testing | | | | The other decision you need to make when |
| in all possible scenarios for smoke detectors. So you | | | | purchasing a smoke detector is whether you want |
| are sure to be getting a good smoke detector that will | | | | ionization or photoelectric. Photoelectric is more |
| perform under any type of condition. | | | | accurate and will sound less often in places such as |
| If a smoke detector doesn't indicate that it has been | | | | the kitchen which is prone to some smoke from |
| through UL testing then it is likely that it hasn't been | | | | cooking. Humid areas may do better with the |
| extensively tested and you should look for another | | | | photoelectric as well. |
| smoke detector for your home. Always remember | | | | Generally speaking, you should make sure you buy a |
| that your life as well as the life of your family is at risk | | | | smoke detector for every floor of your home at the |
| when you choose a smoke detector so choose | | | | very least. But it is even better if you can buy enough |
| wisely and carefully. | | | | to have one inside every bedroom, one in each main |
| You may want to choose a hard-wired smoke alarm | | | | hallway, and one near the kitchen. Again, the codes in |
| or one that is hooked up directly to your home's | | | | your area may determine this for you. |
| electrical system. For even more assurance a | | | | Clean your detector regularly with a vacuum hose |
| hardwired smoke detector with a battery back up will | | | | attachment and test the battery. Every ten years you |
| keep your family safe in the event of a power outage. | | | | should replace your smoke detector so keep the |
| However, this option is more expensive if you need an | | | | purchase day of the smoke detector with your |
| electrician to run wiring. One advantage of these is that | | | | important household papers. If you do not have the |
| they usually interconnect with each other as long as | | | | paperwork the detectors usually have a manufactured |
| they are the same brand (this means they will sound all | | | | date on the back label. |