| |
Smoke Detectors
- What You Need to Know
-
- Everyone dreads the idea of a fire destroying his or her
home. It's hard to imagine the treasured possessions accumulated
over a lifetime turned to ashes and charred remains. Even
more difficult is coping with the irreplaceable loss of
loved ones. Fortunately, much of this could be prevented.
The number of reported fires in houses with smoke alarms
is 10 times less than in those without alarms.
-
- Most people realize that detectors are their best protection
in a fire yet approximately 13% of Canadian households don't
use them. A lack of information and reluctance to make the
investment seem to be the main reasons. These homeowners
put themselves in danger when they are most vulnerable.
Statistically, the worst fires occur in the evening when
people are sleeping. By the time they smell smoke or feel
heat, the fire is rampant and the occupants of the home
can become trapped or overcome by the carbon monoxide present
in smoke. Alarms are designed to sound at the first sign
of smoke increasing the odds that both the residents and
their possessions will survive.
-
- It's important to be aware that there are different types
of fires and different types of detectors. Ionization alarms
are triggered when smoke particles interrupt the ion current
that flows between two metal plates. The advantage of these
detectors is that the smoke can be invisible to the human
eye, while remaining "visible" to the ionization detector.
The ion conductivity is produced by a tiny amount of radioactive
material-Americium-241 (or AM-241). Some research has been
done which indicates ionization detectors may not be very
good at detecting smouldering fires which produce small
amounts of particles. These detectors work best in smoky
fires such as kitchen fires.
-
- Photoelectric devices work on an entirely different principle-smoke
particles cross a steady beam of light and set off the alarm
much like a motion sensor. There are conflicting reports
on the efficiency of this detector and it is recommended
that homeowners invest in a dual photoelectric/ionization
device which combines both functions. At the very least,
if you already have an ionization device you should invest
in a photoelectric version and visa versa.
-
- For greater protection install at least three alarms-one
in the living room (41 percent of fatal fires start in the
living room), one near the bedroom and one place few people
think of-in the basement. Hot water heaters and furnaces
in the basement can pose a significant fire hazard especially
since a small fire there is likely to go unnoticed until
the fire is too large to control.
-
- You should also consider wiring your detectors for a chain-reaction.
Normally, an isolated fire would have to burn intensely
before setting off alarms at the opposite end of the home.
Chain-reaction alarms sound simultaneously at the first
sign of smoke giving your family valuable minutes to get
to safety. When you purchase alarms, ask about connective
wiring options.
-
- Remember that tradition noise-producing alarms are ineffective
for occupants who are deaf or hard of hearing. There have
been great new innovations in the warning signal itself.
A new product, The Scent of Life Signalling Device releases
a pungent aerosol spray into the air when smoke is detected.
This device also works well in high noise level areas. For
more information on this product check out http://www.globweb.com/paradigm/solmain.htm
Strobe light alarms are also effective for the hearing impaired
but must be placed well within view. If you opt for a strobe
alarm for residential use be sure to place one in the bedroom.
-
- The annual fire-death rate in houses without alarms is
130 deaths per million households. By installing several
battery-operated detectors in each house, that rate would
be reduced by almost two-thirds. Battery operated models
range from $20-50. The safety rates are even better with
wired-in smoke detectors which have been mandatory in new
housing since 1980. These devices are more heat-resistant
and reliable than battery operated alarms. Wired-in systems
cost approximately $500.
-
- Whichever system you choose be sure to follow installation
and maintenance instructions. Battery operated models will
either use staggered beeps or a blinking light to indicate
low power. Don't wait that long though-install new batteries
when you change your clocks for daylight savings time in
the spring and fall. You and your family will sleep easy
knowing you're protected.
|
|
