Smoke kills...Most fire deaths and injuries are caused by smoke, not flames. They occur at night
while victims are asleep. Smoke alarms won't prevent fires, but they will increase
your chances of getting out and calling the fire department.
Working
smoke alarms more than double your chance of surviving a fire.
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE WORKING SMOKE ALARMS!
How Do Smoke Alarms Work?
Smoke alarms sense the presence of products of combustion (like smoke) which activates
an audible alarm. Either batteries or electricity can power smoke alarms.
There are also many models of smoke alarms available for the hearing impaired.
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Smoke Alarm Q and A
What types of alarms does Oregon law require?
Ionization smoke alarms sold in Oregon are required to have the hush feature. Only
solely battery-powered ionization alarms sold in Oregon must be packaged and sold
with a long-life battery. Photoelectric alarms are exempt from this requirement. Smoke detectors for fire alarm systems do not require the hush feature and long-life
battery.
What is the difference between smoke alarms and smoke detectors?
Smoke alarms are defined as self-contained, single or multiple-station smoke-sensing
devices (used most often in residential applications) that may be wired to operate
in conjunction with each other, but are not part of a central system. Smoke
detectors are defined as smoke-sensing devices that are not self-contained, but
are hooked to a central control system (generally but not exclusively used in commercial
fire alarm systems).
What is the difference between an ionization alarm and a photoelectric alarm?
Ionization smoke alarms contain material that ionizes the air, making an electrical
path. When products of combustion enter the device, the molecules attach themselves
to the ions. The change in electric current flow triggers the alarm.
Photoelectric alarms contain a light source and photocell, which is activated by
light. Light from the bulb reflects off the smoke particles and is directed
towards the photocell. The photocell is then activated to trigger the alarm. When
properly installed and maintained, both types of alarms will save lives.
Where must alarms be installed in an apartment?
Apartments are required to have smoke alarms, per the building code, at the time
of construction. The minimum requirements are that smoke alarms must be installed
outside the sleeping area, such as in a hallway. If the apartment has more
than one level a smoke alarm must be installed on each level. TVF&R recommends
adding smoke alarms to each bedroom for additional protection.
Where must alarms be installed in a single family home?
Single family dwellings are required to have smoke alarms, per the building code,
at the time of construction. The minimum requirements are that smoke alarms
must be installed outside the sleeping area, such as in a hallway. If the
home has more than one level a smoke alarm must be installed on each level.
TVF&R recommends adding smoke alarms to each bedroom for additional protection.
How should smoke alarms be installed?
Smoke and deadly gases are hot, so they rise toward the ceiling. That's where
alarms should be - on the ceiling at least four inches from the nearest wall or
high on a wall, 4 to 12 inches from the ceiling. For more specific information,
see the manufacturer's instructions or contact your local fire department for specifics.
Where shouldn't smoke alarms be placed?
Smoke alarms should not be installed in kitchens, bathrooms, garages or unheated
areas because moisture, frost, cooking vapors and exhaust fumes could cause the
unit to sound a false alarm.
Do combination fire/burglar alarm systems meet Oregon requirements?
Yes, control units and system smoke detectors are permitted as alternatives to single
or multiple station smoke alarms provided they are installed according to Oregon
Uniform Fire Code specifications.
I have hard-wired alarms; do they need to have a long-life battery back up?
No. Only ionization smoke alarms that are solely battery operated need to have a
long-life battery. TVF&R recommends using long-life batteries in all smoke
alarms for enhanced reliability.
How do I tell if my smoke alarms meet the Oregon requirements?
If you have ionization alarms, they must have a hush feature, and if the ionization
alarm is solely battery operated it must have a long-life battery. An ionization
smoke alarm will have a radioactive symbol inside the detector or on the back of
it.
How do I maintain my smoke alarms?
Smoke alarms have a limited life span. Alarms that are older than ten years
need to be replaced....a manufacture date stamp should be on the back of the alarm.
Test smoke alarms monthly. Vacuum your alarms monthly to remove dust and cobwebs.
If you have photoelectric alarms, replace the batteries with long-life batteries
for enhanced reliability.
What should I look for when purchasing an alarm?
Look for an alarm that has a hush feature, a malfunction signal, a loud alarm and
if it is solely battery operated, a long-life battery. Only purchase an alarm
that has been tested by a independent laboratory such as the Underwriter's Laboratories
(it will have a UL® symbol on it).
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Proper Disposal of Smoke Alarms
The most common type of smoke alarm is an ionization alarm, which
contains a very small amount of Americium 241, a synthetic isotope
which emits both alpha and gamma rays. The Americium is
shielded by a metal chamber within the plastic casing of the alarm.
On your wall, this material poses little threat; however, when an
alarm is broken open in an incinerator or a landfill, it can present
a health hazard. For this reason, the law requires that all
smoke alarms be labeled as containing radioactive content.
There are two ways to dispose of your smoke alarm:
- It is legal to dispose of your ionization alarm in the
garbage, however, we encourage you to first remove the battery
(and recycle it at a household hazardous waste disposal event).
- Return the smoke alarm to the manufacturer. They are
mandated by the Nuclear Regulatory law 10 CFR 32.27 to see that
the radioactive waste is disposed at a nuclear waste disposal
facility. When sending back a smoke alarm, remove the battery
but do NOT dissemble the smoke alarm in any way, and include a
note that the alarm is intended for disposal. The smoke alarm
should be returned to the manufacturer or store by UPS ground
mail (not airmail). No special shipping is needed for your smoke
alarm.
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