The time to escape a house fire today is MUCH LESS At times smoke alarms from different manufactures or older models will not function properly with a new smoke alarm it may fail or some may not sound.

If smoke alarms are inter-connected and you replace one, check that it is compatible with the other smoke alarms.

Replace old smoke alarms (if over 8 to 10 years old ), replace any damaged smoke alarms, and ones that have been painted over.

Test all of your smoke alarms on a regular bases per manufactures instructions.

Manufacture’s instructions – read and follow the instructions when installing a smoke alarm.

10 year battery: all replacement smoke alarms should have a 10 year battery.

They are inexpensive and are normally carried by Home Depot, Lowe’s and other home improvement stores. Heat alarms can be situated in: the kitchens, gas furnace closets, gas water heater closets and in garages, because heat alarms don’t react to smoke and they are not prone to false alarms from cooking and exhaust fumes. Heat alarms are usually used in locations where smoke alarms may trip unnecessarily or falsely. Heat Alarms – what are they where do they go?

Beams, ceiling pockets, architectural design and a number of other factors determine the area a smoke alarm will actually cover. Roughly 900 square foot is the maximum coverage for a smoke alarm.

How big of an area will one smoke alarm cover? Near fluorescent lightsĭo not place smoke alarms closer than 1 foot from fluorescent lights as electrical “noise” and flickering may affect the alarm’s operation. Smoke alarms are not designed to work in extreme heat or cold, or in areas where smoke and dust are common because they could damage the sensors of the alarm. Alarms should be installed at least 3 feet away from these appliances. Near laundry washing machines or dishwashersĪvoid placing smoke alarms near dishwashers or washing machines. Instead, use heat alarms in these locations. Smoke alarms should be installed at least 10 feet from a cooking appliance to minimize false alarms when cooking.ĭo not put smoke alarms in gas fired furnace and gas fired water heater closets. Therefore, do not put the alarms in tight corner areas.ĭo not place close to cooking appliances, stoves and ovens. Smoke may not reach these areas until it is too late. Within 4” of wall / ceiling cornersĭead air space in corner areas. Drafts from a window may actually blow smoke away from the alarm. Windows and sliding glass doorsĪvoid locating a smoke alarm near openable windows where a draft may occur. Otherwise, do not put smoke alarms where the air blowing from vents can blow the smoke away from the smoke alarms. Do not place them in areas of turbulent air, where the airflow may prevent the smoke from reaching the alarms.

Do not place smoke alarms closer than 3 feet from any furnace or A/C supply and return grills or registers.

Hall of smoke