How To Choose A Smoke Alarm

• Be sure that smoke alarms carry the label of an independent testing lab, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
• Smoke alarms can run on batteries or on household currents.
• Smoke alarms have different sensor technologies:
• • Ionization Smoke Alarms - More effective against fast-flaming fires- fire which consume materials rapidly and spread quickly. Sources of these fires may be paper fires or kitchen fires.
  • Photoelectric Smoke Alarms - These alarms are more effective against slow smoldering fires (fires which smolder for hours before busting into flame.) Sources of these fires include cigarettes burning in couches or bedding.
  • Combo Units - Ionization/Photoelectric are available and provide early warning of both types of fires.

How Many Do I Need?

• Install at least one in every floor including the basement and attic and inside each sleeping area.
  
• Ensure that all members of your family can hear the smoke alarm. If someone is hearing impaired, install alarms that flash a strobe light as well as sound an alarm.
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Where To Install Alarms

• Smoke alarms are installed outside each sleeping area, in every bedroom and above stairwells.
• Mount alarms high on a wall or on top of the ceiling. Position wall-mounted alarms with the top of the alarm 4-12 inches (10-30 centimeter) from the ceiling.
• Position ceiling-mounted alarms at least 4 inches (10 centimeters) away from the nearest wall.
• In stairways with no doors at the top or bottom, install alarms anywhere along the path smoke would take as it traveled up the stairs.
• Don't install a smoke alarm near a window, door, or forced-air register where drafts could interfere with its operation. The moving air can blow smoke away from the alarms sensor.
• To avoid false alarms, keep smoke alarms at least ten feet from stoves and steamy showers.

How To Install Alarms

• Most battery-powered smoke alarms can be installed by following the manufacturer's instructions using a drill and screwdriver.
• Plug in alarms must have restraining devises so they cannot be unplugged by mistake.
• Hard-wire alarms need to be installed by a qualified electrician.
• Never connect a smoke alarm to a circuit that can be turned off from a wall switch.

Maintenance Tips

• Test smoke alarms once a month by pushing the "test button".
• Install new batteries at least once a year.
• To have the Alaska State Fire Marshal's Office remind you via email, sign up for the Automatic Smoke Alarm Reminder.
• Clean smoke alarms using a vacuum cleaner without removing the alarms cover.
• Replace smoke alarm every 10 years.