Smoke Alarms and Smoke Detectors
First Alert Smoke Alarms and Smoke DetectorsOne of the most important fire safety devices for the home is the smoke alarm or smoke detector. After becoming generally available in the early 1970's home smoke alarm sales grew rapidly, so that by 1991, 88% of US homes had at least one smoke detector in operation. Several studies have concluded that when working smoke alarms are present, the chance of dying from the fire is cut in half. The smoke detectors currently in place have saved thousands of lives, but several problems exist. First, the 12% of homes without alarms have more than half of the fires; second, it is estimated that a third of the smoke alarms in place are not working, often due to failure to replace a worn out battery; and third, many homes do not have as many smoke alarms as are needed to protect the occupants properly. |
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First Alert Smoke Detectors and First Alert Smoke Alarms Ionization alarms and detectors sound more quickly when a flaming, fast moving fire occurs. Photoelectric alarms and detectors are quicker at sensing smoldering, smoky fires. There are also combination smoke alarms that combine ionization and photoelectric into one unit, called dual sensor smoke alarms. Because both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms are better at detecting distinctly different yet potentially fatal fires, and because homeowners cannot predict what type of fire might start in a home, the USFA recommends the installation of both ionization and photoelectric or dual sensor smoke alarms. Additionally there are Wireless smoke detectors like the First Alert OneLink detectors that interconnect so that when one alarm goes off, all of them sound making notification much louder. In addition to the basic types of alarms, there are smoke alarms made to meet the needs of people with hearing disabilities. These smoke alarms may use strobe lights that flash and/or vibrate to assist in alerting those who are unable to hear standard smoke alarms when they sound. Where to Place Smoke Alarms: One in every bedroom, and at least one on every level of the home. |
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