Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors are easily installed and are an inexpensive precaution against tragedy.  They do not prevent or extinguish fires, but provide an early warning that fire has started, giving you precious extra time to evacuate. This is especially important at night, when occupants of the house are asleep.

Most fatalities from house fires occur at night.

Choosing a smoke detector

There is a wide range of fire alarm units and systems available. For most existing homes,  a battery operated smoke detector which you can install yourself is sufficient.

New dwellings must have the smoke alarm connected directly to the dwelling's power supply as well as a battery back up.

There are two kinds of smoke detectors: ionisation or photo electric. With either operating principle, an alarm is sounded at the first trace of smoke.

Features you should look out for in choosing a smoke detector include:

· Australian Standards. Self contained smoke alarms must comply with AS 3736. Look for the Standards mark issued by the Standards Australia. Alternatively, smoke detectors labelled Scientific Services Laboratory AS 3786 are acceptable.

· Battery requirement. Look for smoke detectors that require low cost, low voltage batteries that last at least one year.

· Low battery warning. Smoke detectors emit a "beep" every 30 seconds for up to a month to indicate the battery needs replacement.

· Test button. Smoke detectors must be tested regularly. The test button should be easy to locate and operate, even when the smoke detector is installed on the ceiling.

Where to install your smoke detector

Smoke rises, so to detect smoke as early as possible your smoke detector should be installed on the ceiling or high on a wall.

The best placement of smoke detectors depends on the situation in your own home. Keep the following pointers in mind:

· One smoke detector may not be enough. Install a smoke detector outside each sleeping area and on each floor of the house. You may also wish to install a smoke detector in the bedroom of someone who is a particularly sound sleeper or who is apt to be careless with smoking materials.

· Kitchens. Many home fires start in kitchens. However, because smoke from cooking will set off the alarm, installing a           smoke detector in kitchens can cause a nuisance. Special models are available for use in kitchens and caravans.

· Avoid draughts. Do not install smoke detectors near windows, doors or air sources where draughts could affect alarm sensitivity.

· Avoid dead air spaces. A dead air space is an area in which trapped hot air will prevent smoke from reaching the alarm. This generally occurs at the apex of cathedral ceilings and the corner junction of walls and ceilings and between exposed floor joists.

· On a ceiling the smoke detector should be located 300mm from any exposed beam, cornice or wall.

· On a wall, the smoke detector should be located 300mmm to 500mm from the ceiling.

· On a cathedral ceiling, the smoke detector should be located 500mm to 1500mmm from the highest point.

· Stairways. On stairways, install detectors in the path people will most likely take to evacuate the building. This will ensure an alarm will be raised before smoke makes the exit impassable.

Testing and maintaining your smoke detector

A smoke detector that doesn't operate in an emergency is a dead loss.

It is important to test each unit regularly, once a month at the minimum. You should test the unit manually even if it has an indicator light or low battery warning.

When the batteries are low, replace them. This is usually necessary once a year. Make it a habit to replace the batteries once a year on a date you can remember, such as your birthday, or when you change the clocks for daylight savings.

Keep the unit clean. Usually this requires carefully vacuuming out the dust and dirt once a year. Never paint your smoke detector- paint could damage the unit.

What to do when the alarm sounds

A fire alarm is only effective when people respond properly.

The following procedures can be established

· When you install your smoke detector, have a family meeting to discuss fire emergencies.

· Draw a floor plan of your house and mark exit paths and alterative exits.

· Post the 000 and Fire Brigade numbers near your telephone.

· Practise with your family what to do when the alarm sounds.

· Exit quickly and meet outside at a pre-arranged meeting point (the letterbox is a good place) to ensure everyone is safe.

· Crawl low in the smoke.

· Feel doors before opening them. If they are hot, fire may be on the other side; take another route.

· Once out, stay out.

Remember a smoke alarm gives you advance warning; use those precious minutes to get out safely.

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