The Overland Park Fire Department, along with the International Association of Fire Chiefs, recommends dual chamber smoke alarms (see image), which use both photoelectric and ionization sensing technologies, for detecting fires.
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Ionization smoke alarms are more effective at detecting smoke from fast, flaming fires. - Photoelectric smoke alarms are more effective at detecting smoke from slow, smoldering fires that develop over a longer period of time.
The Fire Department's recommendation is to arm your family with a smoke alarm that uses both of these technologies.
The Facts that Make a Difference
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What type of alarm is right for my home?
Sensing systems
Most smoke alarms use one of two common sensing systems for detecting fires.
- Ionization type smoke alarms are more effective at detecting smoke from fast, flaming fires, which consume combustible material rapidly and spread quickly.
- Photoelectric type smoke alarms are more effective at detecting smoke from slow, smoldering fires that typically develop over a long period of time, producing smoke with little heat before bursting into flames.
Either type of alarm will detect nearly every type of fire quickly. For added protection install both types of smoke alarms in your home. Some manufacturers offer dual-chamber alarms that use both sensor systems.
Always be sure to read manufacturer’s instructions.
How many alarms do I need?
- One for every floor of your home and outside each sleeping area is required.
- One in every room where someone sleeps is recommended.
Where is the best place to put my smoke alarms?
- Choose an installation location that is well away from the path of steam from bathrooms and cooking fumes from the kitchen, which can result in false, or nuisance alarms.
- Place alarms at least three feet away from air vents and exhaust fans.
Interconnected -or- Battery Powered?
- Some alarms run on your household wiring and are interconnected. If one alarm is activated, they all signal together. These alarms require professional installation by a licensed electrician and should include battery back-up.
- Other alarms run on batteries only. These can be installed easily with a few simple tools.
Testing and Maintenance
- Test batteries once a month
- Replace batteries twice a year or when the alarm ‘chirps’ indicating a low battery
- Smoke detectors typically have a life of about 10 years, after which they should be replaced.
- Vacuum over and around your alarm regularly without removing the alarm’s cover to remove dust that may cause false alarms or delay activation.
Special Considerations
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Know the Plan!
What will you do in the event of a fire?A little pre-planning will help increase your chances of surviving a fire:
Know two ways out of every room
- Install and maintain smoke alarms on every level of your home to alert you to the presence of smoke and fire and give you time to respond
- Designate an outside meeting place
- Crawl low and go. Once out, stay out!
- Dial 9-1-1 from a neighbor’s phone
- If you have children, involve them in the planning process
- Make sure everyone can unlock and open any doors or windows that may be used for escape
- Once your plan is in place, practice!
Don’t forget about
carbon monoxide detectors!
For more information on these and other home safety topics, contact the
Overland Park Fire Department
913/888-6066