Smoke detectors provide warning in case of fire

A lot of people think that fire kills, when actually it’s the smoke from a fire that usually causes casualties.

Most of these deaths occur at night and are the result of asphyxiation, toxic gas inhalation, or exposure to heated air. When a fire occurs while occupants are asleep, often they will not have a chance to escape due to their unconscious caused by deadly smoke and gases.

The most effective way to prevent this is to install an early warning system. Installing Underwriters Laboratories (UL) rated smoke detectors can help warn of the early stages of a fire and the presence of smoke.

There are two basic types of smoke detectors, photo-electric and ionization. They both operate when particles of combustion are detected in the air.

However, smoke detectors must be properly located in the home to provide protection. Smoke detectors should be placed on every level of the home; immediately outside bedrooms, in the hallway; in the living room or near the stairway to the second floor; and also near the basement stairway.

After installing smoke detectors there is the responsibility of maintaining them. This involves change batteries as required, or at least annually on battery operated smoke detectors and testing detectors regularly, at least monthly. Also, clean regularly according to manufactures instructions and never paint over smoke detectors.

Here is a YouTube video where Captain Joe Bruni shows how a smoke alarm uses a circuit board and works when smoke enters the sensing chamber, setting off a loud, audible tone. Captain Joe Bruni also explains the difference between ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms …



Here’s another YouTube videos where Captain Joe Bruni explains how to install a smoke detector by mounting it high on a wall, at least four to 12 inches away from the ceiling. Captain Joe Bruni explains to avoid placing a smoke detector too close to where the wall and ceiling meet, also known as a dead zone …



Your local community fire department can help assist you in any questions you may have and assist you in deciding proper installation. Be prepared, be fire safe.


(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)