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