SMOKE ALARMS - (To download this information as a pdf pamphlet for handouts - click here)

There is no question that smoke alarms save lives, prevent injuries, and minimize property damage by alerting people to a fire when a fire is still small. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that over 96% of dwellings have at least one smoke alarm but only 3/4 of all dwellings have at least one  smoke alarm that is working. Smoke alarms may be disabled if they give off nuisance alarms or if batteries are not replaced. More than one smoke alarm is needed in most dwellings.   

Smoke alarms need to be properly installed, maintained and replaced when needed, and the type of smoke alarm is also important. There are two different  types of smoke alarms in general use today.

Ionization - Ionization smoke alarms respond faster to flaming fires, such as those involving paper or flammable liquids.

Photoelectric - Photoelectric smoke alarms respond faster to smoldering fires, such as those involving upholstered furniture or bedding materials.

Although ionization smoke alarms may alert occupants seconds faster in flaming fires than photoelectric smoke alarms, the ionization smoke alarms are much slower to alert occupants in smoldering fires and are subject to nuisance alarms that cause people to disconnect their smoke alarms.

Most fires in the home start off as a smoldering fire.

New Vermont Law – Photoelectric-only type of smoke alarms are required to be installed in the vicinity of any bedrooms and on each level of a dwelling, for all new dwellings and dwellings that are sold or transferred, beginning January 1, 2009. Either photoelectric or ionization smoke alarms may be installed in these locations prior to that date.  

Ionization smoke alarms have worked in numerous fires, saving people from injury or death. Ionization smoke alarms are good, but photoelectric smoke alarms will be better - giving people more time to escape and minimizing nuisance alarms from cooking.

Vermont law has required smoke alarms to be installed in single-family dwellings since January 1, 1994. Smoke alarms in dwelling units built since that time are required to be powered by the electrical service in the building and by battery. Smoke alarms in dwellings built prior to January 1, 1994, may be powered by the electrical service in the building, or by battery, or by a combination of both.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that smoke alarms powered by the electrical service in the building are much more reliable than smoke alarms powered only by battery.

For additional protection install smoke alarms in each bedroom, in addition to the smoke alarms required to be installed in the vicinity of any bedrooms and on each level of the dwelling.

Smoke Alarm Installation Information:

• Choose a smoke alarm that bears the label of a recognized testing laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratory.
• READ and FOLLOW the manufacturers’ instructions that are supplied with each smoke alarm.
• Install photoelectric-only smoke alarms in the vicinity of any bedrooms and on each level of a dwellingincluding the basement.
• Smoke detectors can save lives, but only if properly installed and maintained. Install smoke alarms in each bedroom for additional protection and interconnect smoke alarms together so if one sounds an alarm they all sound an alarm to make sure the alarm is heard. Additional smoke alarms may be photoelectric, ionization or photoelectric/ionization combination alarms. Consult a licensed electrician regarding electrically wired smoke and CO alarms . In buildings with 3 or more units, the use of an licensed electrician is required by the state fire and building safety code.   
• Mount smoke alarms on flat ceilings no closer than 4” from the adjoining wall surface. Mount smoke alarms on walls no closer than 4”, and not further than 12”, from the adjoining ceiling surface.
• Do not install a smoke alarm within 36” of a ceiling suspended fan or a supply register of a forced air heating or cooling system. 
• Install a new battery in all smoke alarms that require changing the battery at least once a year. Immediately install a new battery if an alarm “chirps,” warning the battery is low.
• Replace smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.
• Test smoke alarms each month. Use the test button or an approved smoke substitute and clean the units in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions.

Ask your local retailer about photo electric alarms. Most hardware stores and building  and electrical supply companies are now stocking them. 

Other Important Fire Safety Information:         

• Design an emergency escape plan and practice the plan with everyone living in the home.
• Make sure everyone can hear the smoke alarms, even when bedroom doors are closed, or the TV is on.  
• Make sure everyone knows when and how to call emergency telephone numbers.  
• Install carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in the vicinity of any bedrooms.
• Install special smoke alarms for people who have hearing disabilities that use strobe (flashing) lights or vibration signals.
• Consider installing residential fire sprinkler protection in your home.