Smoke Detectors

THE DANGER

Over 6,000 deaths occur in homes each year.

Most people die from SMOKE and toxic gases rather than the fire itself. Many never even wake up.

Protect yourself and your family by:

• Purchasing, installing and maintaining one or more SMOKE DETECTORS in your home to wake you when the fire starts.

• Developing and practicing an ESCAPE PLAN to enable you to get out safely.

• A smoke detector is a fire alarm that buzzes when it detects smoke, warning you in time to escape.

• Smoke detectors can be either house current or battery operated. Either kind can do a good job.

• Make sure the model you choose has been listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.

• A smoke detector may be purchased at most retail stores for about $10.00 – $30.00.

• There should be a least one smoke detector in every household. Additional detectors will significantly increase your chances of survival.

• If you can handle a screwdriver, you can install most smoke detectors.

• Smoke detectors should be placed on the ceiling or high on a wall near the bedrooms. This enables the detector to sense the smoke as it approaches the sleeping area.

• Locate your smoke detector away from air outlet vents.

• Call your local fire department for advice on the best place to install your detectors.

• Battery-operated and “plug-in” electric detectors can be attached directly to the ceiling or wall.

• “Wired-in” electric detectors are somewhat more difficult to install and may require an electrician.

• Your smoke detector will awaken you, but you may not be thinking clearly. You should practice escaping before an emergency strikes.

• Once a fire has started, it spreads rapidly. You may have only seconds to get out.

• Normal exits from bedrooms may be blocked by smoke or fire. It is important everyone knows exactly what to do.

• Plan two exits from every room. Second story windows may need a rope or chain ladder to enable occupants to escape safely.

• Choose a meeting place outside the home so you’ll know everyone has escape

• Practice allows you to test your plan before a real emergency. You may not be able to reach your children! It is important that they know exactly what to do.

• Your smoke detector must be maintained properly to provide you and your family with protection.

• Test the batteries monthly and remember to change the batteries in your smoke detectors twice a year. A good habit to start, is to change your batteries when you change your clocks in the Spring and Fall.

• Replace batteries and bulbs according to manufacturer’s instructions.

• Battery-operated units do require somewhat more maintenance, since batteries must be replaced.

• Dust the grillwork of your detector.

PURCHASE one or more smoke detectors.

INSTALL your detectors properly.

IDENTIFY escape routes and PRACTICE ESCAPING.

MAINTAIN your detectors.

If you don’t have a smoke detector in your home, GET ONE! Smoke detectors are available at stores everywhere. Please, for your families sake, pick up your smoke detectors and install them today.

It’s not just a good idea, IT’S THE LAW in Wisconsin!