Smoke alarms

Smoke alarms save lives. Smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries. If there is a fire in your home, smoke spreads fast and you need smoke alarms to give you time to get out.

Here's what you need to know!

A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home.
Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound.
Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
Test your smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
There are two kinds of alarms. Ionization smoke alarms are quicker to warn about flaming fires. Photoelectric alarms are quicker to warn about smoldering fires. It is best to use of both types of alarms in the home.
When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside.
Replace all smoke alarms in your home every 10 years.

Choose the right alarms

There are smoke alarms available with different features and applications, so choosing the right alarm can be confusing. Some of the features to consider include:

Power Source: Smoke alarms can be electrically powered, battery powered, or a combination of both. If you are installing an electrically powered alarm it is recommended that it have a battery back-up in case of power failures.
Technology: most smoke alarms employ either ionization or photo-electric technology. Ionization alarms may respond slightly faster to flaming-type fires, while photo-electric alarms may be quicker at detecting slow, smouldering fires.
Pause feature: Smoke alarms with a pause button are highly recommended as it permits the alarm to be temporarily silenced without disconnecting the power source.

Install in the proper locations

Smoke alarms must be installed on each storey of the home as well as outside sleeping areas. Because smoke rises, smoke alarms should be installed on the ceiling. If this is not possible, install the alarm high up on a wall. Always follow the manufacturers instructions when installing smoke alarms.

Avoid putting smoke alarms too close to bathrooms, windows, ceiling fans and heating and cooking appliances.

Test smoke alarms monthly

Test your smoke alarms every month by using the test button on the alarm. When the test button is pressed, the alarm should sound. If it fails to sound, make sure that the battery is installed correctly or install a new battery. If the alarm still fails to sound, replace the smoke alarm with a new one.

Change the batteries every year

Install a new battery at least once a year, or as recommended by the manufacturer. Install a new battery if the low-battery warning sounds or if the alarm fails to sound when tested.

Vacuum alarms annually

Dust can clog your smoke alarms. Battery-powered smoke alarms should be cleaned by opening the cover of the alarm and gently vacuuming the inside with a soft bristle brush.

For electrically-connected smoke alarms, first shut off the power to the unit, and then gently vacuum the outside vents of the alarm only. Turn the power back on and test the alarm.

Replace older smoke alarms

All smoke alarms wear out. Replace smoke alarms according to manufacturers’ recommendations.

Handle nuisance alarms

Steam from the shower or cooking in the oven, stove or toaster can cause smoke alarms to activate. If these types of nuisance alarms occur, do not remove the battery. There are several options you can try to reduce nuisance alarms.

Relocate the alarm. Sometimes moving the alarm just a few inches can make the difference.
Install a smoke alarm with a pause button that will allow you to temporarily silence the alarm.
Replace alarms located near kitchens with photo-electric types.

Plan your escape

Make sure that everyone knows the sound of the smoke alarm and what to do if it activates. Create an escape plan with the entire household and practice it. Make sure your plan identifies two ways out of each room, if possible, and a meeting place outside. Once outside, stay outside. Never re-enter a burning building. Call the fire department from a neighbours home or cell phone.

Installing the fire alarm

Where to fit some alarms

Always put smoke alarms where you will be able to hear them throughout the home, particularly when you're asleep or when doors are closed.
Ideal places are at the top of staircases, on stair landings, and between living and sleeping areas.
Fit alarms on the ceiling, as near as possible to the centre of the room, hallway or landing. The alarm should be at least 30cm (12 inches) away from any wall or light.

Where not to put a smoke alarm

Don't put a smoke alarm:

in the kitchen or bathroom, where it could be accidentally triggered by cooking fumes or steam
where you can't hear it while you're asleep
in a garage, where it could be triggered by exhaust fumes
on a wall. Smoke rises straight up towards the ceiling and will set the alarm off more quickly if the device is fixed to the ceiling - giving you more time to escape

Installing your smoke alarm

Installing a smoke alarm is easy to do and only takes a few minutes - just follow the manufacturer's instructions. If it's difficult for you to fit a smoke alarm, ask a family member or friend to help you, or contact the Fire Brigade , where a member of staff will be happy to assist. Don't be tempted to have a go yourself if you feel unsteady or unsure - you could fall and injure yourself.