Smoke Detectors

Use smoke detectors on every level of your home, including the basement, to alert you to fires. Since most fires happen during the night and early morning, install detectors near bedrooms to help protect your sleeping family. Smoke detectors are essential safety devices for protection against fire deaths and injuries.

There are two basic types of smoke detectors on the market today: ionization and photoelectric alarms. Ionization alarms react to heat and flames, whereas photoelectric respond most to smoke. Combination alarms, called dual-sensor smoke alarms, have both features and are recommended by experts.

Smoke Detector Maintenance

Check once a month to make sure they're working. If detectors are battery-operated, change batteries at least once a year or consider using 10-year batteries. When installing, always follow the manufacturer's instructions.

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