Smoke and CO2 Detectors, Fire Extinguishers

Smoke Detector Tips           
         
Maintenance

  • Vacuum and test your smoke detectors monthly. 
  • Change detector batteries every sixmonths.  
  • To remember to change batteries, a good trick is to do so whenever you set clocks forward in the spring or backwards in the fall.

Placement of Smoke Detectors:  Consider which areas of the house need protecting, which fire sources are the most dangerous, and how many smoke detectors are needed. There should be one smoke detector on each level of a home. 

Sleeping Areas:

  • Bedrooms need the most protection.  
  • Place at least one detector in a hallway outside bedroom(s).  
  • If the hallway is longer than 30 feet, detectors should be installed at each end of the hallway.  
  • Maximum protection is provided by a detector in each bedroom to supplement those in the hallway. 


Living/Family Room:  
Keep detectors away from fireplaces or wood stoves to avoid false alarms.

Kitchen:  Keep detectors away from cooking fumes to avoid false alarms.

Hall and Stairwell:  Place unit at top of each stairwell and at each end of a long hallway.

Basement:  Mount unit on ceiling at top of stairway, away from exhaust from furnace or water heater.

For more information on Smoke Detectors and Smoke Alarms:
www.firehouse.com/infozone/usfa/smokalarms.html

Fire Extinguisher Tips                        
Placement of Fire Extinguishers:

  • Fire extinguishers (multi-purpose ABC types) should be kept at readily available locations near potential fire sources (furnaces and stoves).
  • There should be a minimum of one fire extinguisher on each level of a dwelling and one in the garage.

Operation of Fire Extinguishers:

  • Contents will empty fast so proper use is essential.  Stand 6-8 feet from the fire.  Aim at the base of the fire and sweep from side to side. 

Fire Extinguisher Classifications:

  • It is critical that the proper extinguisher be used.  Not only might the fire not be extinguished, the flames could increase!
  • Classification A: Ordinary combustibles - wood, paper, trash, etc.
  • Classification B: Greases, oils, gasoline, paint, etc.
  • Classification C: Electrical wiring, plugs, equipment, etc.