Smoke
Alarm Information
Statistics show that in all reported fires that occurred in a structure for 2013,
thirty-nine percent (39%) had no smoke alarm or the smoke alarm failed to work.
Statutory Requirment for Smoke and CO Alarms
How To Choose An Alarm
- Be sure that smoke alarms carry the label of an independent testing lab,
such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). household currents.
- Smoke alarms have different sensor technologies:
- Ionization Smoke Alarms - More effective against fast-flaming fires- fire which
consume materials rapidly and spread quickly. Sources of these fires may be
paper fires or kitchen fires.
- Photoelectric Smoke Alarms - These alarms are more effective against slow
smoldering fires (fires which smolder for hours before busting into
flame.)Sources of these fires include cigarettes burning in couches or bedding.
- Combo Units - Ionization/Photoelectric are available and provide early warning
of both types of fires.
How Many Do I Need
- Install at least one in every floor including the basement and attic and
inside each sleeping area.
- Ensure that all members of your family can hear the smoke alarm. If someone is
hearing impaired, install alarms that flash a strobe light as well as sound an
alarm.
Where To Install Alarms
- Follow the directions that are provided with the alarm.
Experts recommend that:
- Smoke alarms are installed outside each sleeping area, in every bedroom and
above stairwells.
- Mount alarms high on a wall or on top of the ceiling. Position wall-mounted
alarms with the top of the alarm 4-12 inches (10-30 centimeter) from the
ceiling.
- Position ceiling-mounted alarms at least 4 inches (10 centimeters) away from the
nearest wall.
- In stairways with no doors at the top or bottom, install alarms anywhere along
the path smoke would take as it traveled up the stairs.
- Dont install a smoke alarm near a window, door, or forced-air register where
drafts could interfere with its operation. The moving air can blow smoke away
from the alarms sensor.
- To avoid false alarms, keep smoke alarms at least ten feet from stoves and
steamy showers.
How To Install Alarms
- Follow the directions that are provided with the alarm.
Experts state that:
- Most battery-powered smoke alarms can be installed by following the
manufacturers instructions using a drill and screwdriver.
- Plug in alarms must have restraining devises so they cannot be unplugged by
mistake.
- Hard-wire alarms need to be installed by a qualified electrician.
- Never connect a smoke alarm to a circuit that can be turned off from a wall
switch.
Maintenance Tips
- Test smoke alarms once a month by pushing the test button.
- Install
new batteries at least once a year.
- To have the Alaska State Fire Marshal's Office remind you via email, sign up for
the Automatic Smoke Alarm Reminder.
- Clean smoke alarms using a vacuum cleaner without removing the alarms cover.
-
Replace smoke alarm every 10 years.
Contact for further information at:
Public Education Coordinator
Mike Warzewick
5700 E. Tudor Road
Anchorage, AK 99507
Phone: (907) 269-5481
Fax: (907) 269-0102