Smoke Detectors

How Many Smoke Detectors Do I Need ?

NFPA recommends that you have one smoke detector on every level of your home, as well as one near all of the sleeping areas in your home. For example, if your sleeping areas are nestled together in a wing of the house, one smoke detector in the hallway would probably sound loud enough to awaken anyone sleeping. However, if your sleeping areas are on separate ends of the hallway, you will want to invest in a second smoke detector to protect that separate bedroom. The best way to make sure that you have enough smoke detectors is to listen to them yourself. If there are any areas in the house where the sound from an activated smoke detector is faint, muffled, or difficult to hear, or if anyone in your family does not wake up when a smoke detector sounds, you probably need additional smoke detectors. Remember, even a working smoke detector can't get you out of danger's way- be sure that you have and practice a home escape plan!

Where Should I put Up Smoke Detectors In My House ?

Your smoke detector should be positioned in your house ideally on the ceiling, or on the wall, between 4-6 inches away from the ceiling-wall intersection. Be sure to place your smoke detector:

On the ceiling, at least six inches away from the wall. A fire can often "trap" pockets of air where the wall and the ceiling meet -- smoke might never reach the smoke detector in this "dead air space".

20 feet away from "sources of combustion particles" (stoves, furnace, water heater).

Away from the kitchen. A smoke detector too close to the kitchen might frequently signal false alarms.

In areas where the temperature is between 40 degrees Fahrenheit and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Colder or warmer temperatures (like the temperatures in an attic) might set off false alarms and also shorten the life of the smoke detector's battery.

In dusty, dirty, or greasy areas.

Near air vents, ceiling fans, or other drafty areas. Drafts can blow the smoke away from the smoke detector, preventing the smoke detector from sounding.

More than one foot away from fluorescent lights.

If the ceilings are sloped, peaked, or gabled -- 3 feet from the highest point of the ceiling.

Where the manufacturer recommends its placement. Read the instructions to be sure that you are placing the unit in the absolute best location.

Should I Use Battery or Electric Smoke Detectors ?

Both electric smoke detectors and battery-powered smoke detectors have benefits and drawbacks. Battery powered smoke detectors must have regular maintenance, including frequent testing and battery replacement. However, they are easy to install and relatively inexpensive. Electric smoke detectors are much easier maintenance-wise, but must be hardwired into your house. The Dana Fire & Rescue Department also recommends that you select an electric smoke detector that has a battery back-up, in rare cases, an electrical fire, or a power outage has been known to short out an electric smoke detector, silencing the alarm.

Why Is My Smoke Detector Chirping ?

If you hear a faint "chirping" or "beeping" noise approximately every 30 seconds, your smoke detector is probably trying to tell you something : It's hungry ! Some smoke detectors are built to sound a warning alarm when the battery power begins to run low. By chirping, the smoke detector is trying to get your attention and convince you to put a new battery inside it. Of course, if you know how to properly maintain your smoke detector, you probably won't hear this type of chirping.

How Do I Test My Smoke Detector ?

Your smoke detector's manual should give you detailed instructions on how to test your smoke detector. Usually, this is done by pressing a button in the center of the smoke detector. If you press this button down for a few seconds and it beeps, then the battery should still be working. If the smoke detector does not beep, then replace the battery and test again.

Are There Smoke Detectors for the Hearing Impaired ?

People who are hard-of-hearing also need the protection that smoke detectors provide. Smoke detectors for the hearing impaired are smoke detectors that have a strong strobe light attached to the circuitry. When the smoke detector detects the smoke, the strobe light begins blinking.

If you are installing one of these smoke detectors, follow the instructions on where to locate this detector. You might want to install the smoke detector inside the appropriate bedroom, rather than in the hallway, so that the light will be stronger when anyone is at their most vulnerable: when they are asleep. Also, you might need more than one hearing-impaired smoke detector for the home.

Remember, too, that you'll need a hearing-impaired smoke detector when you are sleeping away from home. Hotels and Motels usually have hearing-impaired smoke detectors available upon request.

I Can't Afford to Buy a Smoke Detector, How Do I Get One ?

Dana Fire & Rescue believes that every person should have smoke detectors in their residence, If you are unable to afford a smoke detector or unable to go to town to purchase one and you live in the Dana Fire District one will be provided to you free of charge. If you do not live in the Dana Fire District telephone your local fire department and ask about a free smoke detector, if you are unsure of which fire district you live in you can telephone the Henderson County Fire Marshall's Office @ 697-4728 and request a free smoke detector. If you do not live in Henderson County you will need to contact the local fire department in the town which you live in.

If you live in the Dana Fire District and would like to request a free smoke detector contact:

Dana Fire & Rescue ~ 685-3494 or click on the link below to send a request by e-mail.