Smoke Alarms - What You Need to Know
Roughly 70 percent of home fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke detectors or with smoke detectors that are not functioning properly. Smoke detectors are the great safety success story of the 20th century but they are only useful when they are working. We at Hibbing Fire Department are always striving to educate the community of smoke alarms. Following is a detailed smoke alarm lesson.
Ionization Alarms
An ionization smoke alarm uses a harmless radioactive source that sets up an electric current in the detector chamber. When smoke enters the chamber; the unit senses the change in electric current and sets off the alarm. Studies have shown that ionization detectors are better at detecting small, invisible particles that are typically present in hot, fast-burning fires such as grease or flammable-liquid fires.
Photoelectric Alarms
Photoelectric alarms sound when the smoke is dense enough to deflect a beam of light. Photoelectric detectors are better at detecting larger, visible smoke particles more commonly produced by slow, smoldering fires such as couch or bedding fires. Both types of smoke alarms have been proven effective in detecting typical residential-type fires. In cases where smoke detectors are subject to frequent false alarming due to cooking, smoking or similar causes, the State Fire Marshal encourages the installation of photoelectric smoke detectors as they are not as susceptible to false activation.
Battery powered
A battery-powered alarm is a basic smoke alarm with a hinged-cover that opens for easy battery replacement without removing the unit from the ceiling. Many features are available, including an "escape light" to illuminate a path to safety when the alarm sounds. A Silence/Test button tests alarm functions and silences nuisance alarms.
AC powered
This AC powered (hardwired) smoke alarm has a Test/Reset button that tests the alarm and resets the memory. It may have inter-connected abilities and other features.
AC powered with battery back up
A120-Volt, AC powered smoke alarm with battery back- up for single - or multiple - station use may include a false alarm control feature that allows the user to quiet an unwanted alarm for up to 15 minutes.
Dual sensor
This alarm detects both smoldering and fast-flaming fires. Some have extra features including a remote-control to test or silence the unit without getting on a ladder or chair.
Wireless Interconnect
These smoke alarms enable families to quickly and easily install an interconnected smoke alarm system throughout their home without any messy wiring or labor. The battery-powered units are linked so that when one alarm sounds, it will trigger all to sound. In addition to providing protection to any room in your home, the wireless smoke alarm also can be placed in a detached workshop or shed and linked into the home's system.
Voice Programmable
This innovative smoke detector allows you to record escape instructions in your own voice. In case of a fire, this alarm will alternately sound a warning tone and play your message to help guide children to safety.
Hearing Impaired Smoke Alarm
If you, or someone in your home, is hearing impaired, your home should be equipped with smoke alarms that have a flashing light powerful enough to wake up a sleeper who may not hear an audible alarm, although an 85-decibel alarm is also included. Some models also include vibrating devices for extra warning.
If you ever have questions or concerns about smoke alarms, please contact Hibbing Fire Department at 362-5963.