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Smoke Alarms

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Smoke Alarm The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has found that 96% of households have smoke alarms, and that these homes have at least a 40% reduction in fire related deaths. They also have found that about half of the home fire deaths result from the homes without smoke alarms. Smoke alarm failures are mostly due to missing, disconnected or dead batteries - and in 25% of the home fires the smoke alarm did not work. The Lannon Fire Department recommends that smoke alarms should be checked on the first of the month and have the batteries replaced bi-annually. The easiest way to remember to change your smoke detector batteries is to change them when you change your clocks for Daylight Savings Time!

Protect Yourself and Your Family Today!
Why should I have a smoke alarm?
Everyone benefits from having smoke alarms. You, your loved ones, your pets, and your neighbors will all benefit. Smoke alarms greatly reduce the fire fatality rate by providing you with an early warning signal to get out of the danger zone. And the sooner you get out, the sooner you can call 911 which means the fire department can put out your fire sooner
How do I choose a smoke alarm?
There are many manufacturers that produce fire and smoke alarms. More importantly; though, is there are two main types of alarms made:
  • Ionization alarms react quicker to hot and fast fires, such as a grease fire in the kitchen. No smoke is needed for them to activate
  • Photoelectric alarms can see thick smoke better, and are good for smoldering fires even if there is little heat
As you can see, the two alarm types react to completely different parts of a fire. The best bet is to install both types of alarms in your home. Alarm manufacturers also produce alarms for the hearing impaired, which can flash lights to get peoples attention. There are also alarms that are made now that you can record your voice onto so that your children will recognize what to do when the alarm does go off
How do I keep up my smoke alarm?
Appearance
Smoke alarms should not be painted and they should be kept clean of dust.
Batteries
Normal smoke alarms have batteries that should be replaced at least once a year, preferably twice. Long-life smoke alarms have batteries that are designed to last the lifetime of the alarm. If the smoke alarm starts chirping, it is time for a new alarm. Hardwired alarms generally will have a battery backup that should be checked also.
Life Span
The typical smoke alarm has a life expectancy of 7 to 10 years. Even if it seems to be working fine, replace it.

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