By Cecilia Nasmith
Northumberland County's Fire Prevention Committee has issued a reminder to install smoke alarms, as well as some guidelines for the best ways of doing so.
Smoke alarms should be installed inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home (including the basement).
On levels without bedrooms, install your smoke alarm in the living room, den or family room and/or near the stairs. Basement smoke alarms should be installed on the ceiling at the foot of the stairs leading up.
Smoke alarms should be no closer than 10 ft. (three metres) from a cooking appliance to minimize false alarms.
Never paint smoke alarms. Paint, stickers or other decorations could actually keep them from working.
For the best protection, interconnect all smoke alarms so that, when one sounds, they all sound. Interconnection can be done using hard-wiring or wireless technology. When interconnecting, it is important to be sure that all the alarms come from the same manufacturer – if they are not compatible, they may not sound.
There are two types of smoke alarms – ionization and photoelectric.
An ionization smoke alarm is generally more responsive to flaming fires, while a photoelectric smoke alarm is generally more responsive to smouldering fires. For the best protection, both types of alarms or a combination ionization-photoelectric alarms (also known as dual-sensor smoke alarms) are recommended.
Always keep manufacturers' instructions for reference and maintain them according to instructions. Follow these instructions for cleaning to keep smoke alarms in good working order.
Test smoke alarms at least once a month, using the test button. Make sure everyone in your home understands the sound of the smoke alarm and knows how to respond.
Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm immediately.
Smoke alarms with any other type of battery need a new battery at least once a year. If that type of alarm chirps, it's a warning that the battery is low and should be replaced right away. When replacing a battery, follow the manufacturer's list of batteries on the back of the alarm or manufacturer's instructions specific to the brand and model needed – the unit may not work properly if a different kind of battery is used.
“With the recent increase in fire fatalities in Ontario, it serves as a reminder to make fire safety a priority,” Northumberland County Warden Bob Crate commented in the press release.
“It is important for each of us to take the necessary preventative measures to keep our home and family safe. Plan an escape and know what to do in case of a fire. Encourage your family, friends and neighbours to test their smoke alarms.”
Northumberland Chief Administrative Officer Jennifer Moore offered praise for the community's fire fighters and their work in protecting lives and property.
“As residents, we also each have a role in fire safety,” Moore added.
“Having working smoke alarms is everyone's responsibility. If we all do our part, lives will be saved.”
“Dedicate a couple of minutes throughout the year to protect what matters the most to you – your family,” County Co-ordinator Tim Blake urged.
“It is your responsibility to ensure that you have working smoke alarms on every storey of your home and outside of all sleeping areas.
“Only working smoke alarms save lives – no smoke alarm, no chance.”
