Smoke detectors are an essential part of your family's first line of defense against fires. Research shows that chances of escape and survival are greater if you detect fire at its first stages, before it grows out of control.
By properly installing smoke detectors you can extinguish a fire before it grows to a disaster-scale fire that requires the intervention of your local fire department.
It is important that your smoke detectors are installed properly and maintained frequently so they can operate effectively to provide you with safety. The proper position of your smoke detectors is a key factor in their ability to provide efficient warning of fires.
Proper Location
Keep in mind that the main duty of a smoke detector is to awaken sleeping people to alert them of urgent fire danger. It is important to install the smoke detectors as close as possible to all bedrooms. If there is one main area where bedrooms are located, you can install it in a central location between these bedrooms. If the bedrooms in your home are separated, by multiple floors for example, install the smoke detector near each area. The best location is usually the hallway next to each bedroom.
Please note that if your family members close the bedroom doors while sleeping, it is important to install a smoke detector inside each bedroom in addition to the one in the hallway. This is even more important if anyone in your family smokes in bed. While closed doors can offer some protection against fire and smoke, they may also make it hard to hear the alarm installed outside the bedroom. If a fire originates inside the bedroom, the closed door will keep the smoke from reaching and activating the detector if it is installed outside the room, making it more dangerous.
Improper Installation
Do not install smoke detectors near heat sources as they may set off false alarms. While the kitchen has many fire dangers, installing a smoke detector could cause false alarms due to smoke generated from cooking or frying. Try not to install smoke detectors within six inches of where walls and ceilings join as the detectors may not receive the smoke flow required to activate the alarm.
No comments:
Post a Comment