SMoke Alarms
What to look for in a SMoke Alarm
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Battery alarms can be installed by anyone, but alarms that run on household currents must be installed by a qualified electrician.
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Labels are important. Make sure your smoke alarm is manufactured by a recognized testing laboratory.
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Recordable voice announcement alarms are great for children. A familiar voice, such as that of a parent or guardian, prompting them to exit is less abrupt than a beeping alarm sound.
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A smoke alarm that also detects carbon monoxide adds a greater degree of safety and eliminates having to purchase a separate carbon monoxide alarm.
For an alarm within 20 feet of a cooking appliance, purchase one with a “hush” button, so it’s sensitivity to smoke can be temporarily reduced when you are cooking.
65% of home fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms at all or no smoke alarms that work.
Installing your smoke alarm
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Install a smoke alarm in every bedroom, outside a sleeping area, and on every level of our home (including the basement).
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Interconnect all your smoke alarms throughout your home, so when one sounds, they all sound.
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Always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
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Test your smoke alarm each month and replace batteries once a year.
