Are You Re-aa-lly “Testing” the Smoke Detector?
December 15, 2008 by Victor
Filed under Inspection News and Information
I’m sure most of us have reached up and pushed the “Test” button on the smoke detectors in our homes. Whether we did it as a routine to check it for operation, or to check the battery, or curiosity, the shrill noise that the appliance emits was enough to wake the dead, right?
What you may not know is that the onboard “Test” button does not actually indicate whether the detector alarm will work in an actual smoke and/or fire condition. That button will test the audible alarm (i.e., Does the noise part work?) and the battery (i.e., Is there enough “juice” in the battery to detect anything?).
The way to test the electro-chemical circuitry in the device is to test it with what some folks call “canned smoke” or actual smoke. We NEVER RECOMMEND the actual smoke method, and neither does the local fire department. The “canned smoke” method is the preferred method. We use it to test a home’s smoke detectors during our inspection; that is, unless the home has a security system. When a home has a security system, there is a distinct chance that the smoke alarms are “hard-wired’ into the security system. More than one home inspector can tell you about the fire department showing up to “put out a fire” that the inspector accidentally announced by testing the smoke detector.
So, what DO WE RECOMMEND?
1. Save the directions for installation of all new detectors, so that you can follow the manufacturer’s recommended instructions for testing over time.
2. If you are going to use the “canned smoke” method, you can purchase this product at most local home improvement stores. Follow the directions for use, and DO NOT OVERUSE the test. Overuse of the canned smoke can actually coat the sensing plates inside the detector. Again, follow the directions on the can.
3. Never take a battery out because the detector is chirping WITHOUT PUTTING A REPLACEMENT BATTERY BACK IN! If you silence the chirping, the chances are very good that you’ll forget to put a new battery in, and you could be tragically sorry.
4. It’s a good idea to change the batteries in your smoke detectors twice a year. Do it on New Year’s Day and July the Fourth. If you’re only going to do it once a year, and you haven’t actually heard the “Low Battery” beep going off already, change it on New Year’s Day. Make it an annual Holiday routine.
5. If you’re moving into a house you just bought, and the house is more than a few years old; if the smoke detectors look old and yellow and dingy; if the person who previously lived there smoked like a chimney; or IF YOU JUST WANT TO BE DILIGENT ABOUT YOUR FAMILY’S SAFETY – Replace the smoke detectors.
6. ALWAYS install new smoke detectors/alarms strictly according to the manufacturer’s instructions for placement and maintenance.
7. Here are the most recent national code recommendations for placement of smoke detectors in your home:
a. in each sleeping room;
b. outside each separate sleeping area, in the immediate vicinity of the sleeping rooms;
c. one each additional story of the dwelling, including basements (but excluding crawlspaces and uninhabitable attics)
d. in dwellings with split levels and without an intervening door between the levels, a smoke detector/alarm installed on the upper level and the adjacent lower level shall suffice, provided that the lower level is less than one full story below the upper level
One more thing, before we leave this subject. Next time your not paying attention to the bacon on the stove or bread in the toaster, and the nearest alarm goes off: Thank your lucky stars that the detector is doing its job. Reward it by allowing it to perform for you. Reward it by giving it a new battery on a routine basis. And reward yourself for taking care of your house — and more importantly, KEEPING YOUR FAMILY SAFE AND SECURE.
We invite your comments on this and our other articles. Please let us know if you have other topics you’d like to hear about in this section. And, remember, “It’ll feel more like home, when you’ve had a House Exam!”
Home Fire Safety: A Good Escape Plan
November 14, 2008 by Victor
Filed under Inspection News and Information
The key to survival from any type of fires is a safe escape. Whereas commercial buildings have official fire exits and regular fire drills, most ordinary residences do not. Thus, during home fires many victims suffer from death or physical injuries because there is no specific fire exit and, usually, no formal training on what to do during a fire.
But this should not be the case. Although fire prevention is still the best measure to combat home fires, you need to prioritize and emphasize safety practices for you and your family to do during an actual fire. As accidents can occur any moment, it is always best to be prepared for any eventuality so that damage can be minimized. And since family safety is a top priority and escape is the key to survival, you should have an effective escape plan firmly established for the entire family to take.
While it is good to start planning for your escape during a fire, you should not overlook having a smoke alarm installed if you still have not done so. A smoke alarm alerts you that a possible fire is building up giving you the chance to escape.
Gather the family together and discuss the steps to follow and pointers to remember when escaping from a home fire.
- Since it may be smoky, get down or stoop while exiting as breathing and seeing may be easier in these positions. Cover your nose as toxic gases may be present in the smoke, and these may affect your mental faculties, or cause you to faint.
- Once you are out of the house, never go back inside for anything. Once out, keep out.
The type of fire may affect the progress of your escape. A gradually growing smoldering fire may progress without detection for a while before it finally flares up into enormous flames and tremendous heat. A swift flaming fire on the other hand allows a little amount of time before the leaping flames and scorching heat intensify. You should remember that in either form of fire, you should stay out once you are out.The following are a few specific tips to remember when escaping from either form of fire.
In a gradual smoldering fire:
This form of fire progresses gradually hence may not be picked up by smoke alarms immediately. But a photoelectric smoke alarm can detect a smoldering fire a few seconds faster than its ionization counterpart. Regardless of your smoke alarm however, be sure to go out as soon as you hear the sound of the alarm.
- If you have an established escape plan, it can significantly lessen the amount of time you spend in exiting your burning home. Thus, safety is more assured.
- As soon as the smoke alarm sounds, leave your home as fast as you can since you cannot predict when a smoldering fire will explode into huge burning flames.
- Smoldering fires generate a great amount of smoke so be sure to keep low while exiting to help you breathe and see better, thus avoiding or minimizing the inhalation of toxic gases which may be present in the smoke.
- Try an alternative escape route like a window or another door if your primary exit is blocked by smoke, flames or heat.
In a swift burning fire:
This type of fire allows limited time for escape. An ionization smoke alarm can detect a flaming fire several seconds faster than a photoelectric one. But these few seconds will surely count in a rapidly sweeping flaming fire which can determine your escape.
- A pre-established fire escape plan can minimize the time you need to get out of your home safely.
- As this fire grows swiftly, leave your home as fast as you can because the flames, heat, and toxic gases can magnify very rapidly.
- Again, use an alternative exit path if your main escape route is blocked by flames, heat or smoke.
Bear in mind too that in any emergency it is vital that your ability to think clearly and focus remains intact. Teach your family not to panic but to concentrate on the task of escaping to safety. It is even advisable that you regularly practice a fire drill in your home to ensure that every family member knows the escape plan.
RJ Smith frequently writes articles in an effect to educate others and raise public awareness on a variety of today’s important current developments. Article about a fire sprinkler.
