Smoke Alarms Save Lives  

Smoke alarms (Smoke Detectors), when properly installed and maintained provide early warning when fires occur. Most fatal fires occur at night when people are asleep. Often, victims never wake up. A working smoke alarm will detect smoke and sound an alarm to alert you, giving you precious time to escape. Early warning increases your chances for survival. We recommend that every home owner install these life saving devices.

Smoke Alarm Safety Tips

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, corridors and also sleeping areas.
• Do not install smoke alarms in bathrooms, near heating appliances, or in kitchens near ovens or stoves.
• Install smoke alarms on the ceiling or high up on a wall.
• Test your smoke alarms once a month, keep them in good working order.
• Replace your smoke alarm battery at least once a year.
• Smoke alarms do not last forever, replace them with new ones every ten years.
• Create a fire escape plan, regularly practice exit drills.

Types of Smoke Alarms Available

There are dozens of reputable brands of smoke alarms readily available. The two main types are photoelectric and ionization. No matter where you buy your smoke alarm or what type they are, be sure to buy only ones carrying the mark of an organisation that tests and evaluates products.

Any labeled smoke alarm offers protection - whether it's powered by batteries or household electricity, whether it's photoelectric or a ionization device. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for installation, testing and maintenance.