Fire Alarms

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Fire Alarms

• Created by Curt Harrell
• Jesse Kuzy
• for

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Why are Fire Alarms Important?

• If the fire is small enough to be extinguished
  with a hand-held fire extinguisher, a good alarm
  can let you know there is a fire before it grows
  to a dangerous size.

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ainpic/House-Fire.jpg
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Why are Fire Alarms Important?

• If a fire starts at night, an alarm can wake
  occupants and let them know they need to
  evacuate.
• When evacuating, every second counts. Having the
  right alarm gives you crucial time to evacuate
  safely.

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Choosing a Fire Alarm

• Alarms should carry the label of an independent
  testing lab.
• Alarms that run on batteries or household
  currents are both acceptable.

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lustration-Of-An-Off-White-Smoke-And -Fire-Alarm-W
ith-A-Red-9-Volt-Battery-Hanging-Down-In-Need-Of-A
-Replacement.jpg
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Sensor Technologies

• Ionization smoke alarms are more effective at
  detecting fast-flaming fires such as kitchen or
  paper fires, which spread rapidly.

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.1.11.020Accordion20120of208.JPG
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Sensor Technologies

• Photoelectric smoke alarms are more effective at
  detecting slow-smoldering fires which smoke
  before flaming, such as those caused by dropped
  cigarettes or exposed wiring.
• Combination units are available and provide early
  warning for both types of fires.

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photo_unit.jpg
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Where to Install Alarms

• On every level of the home, including in the
  basement and in or near every sleeping area.
  Everyone should be able to hear alarms.
• Dont put an alarm near a door, window or air
  register moving air can blow smoke away from the
  sensor.

http//www.fire.org.nz/Fire-Safety/Safety-Devices/
PublishingImages/smoke-alarm-installation-3.jpg
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Where to Install Alarms

• Mount alarms high on a wall or on the ceiling,
  staying at least 4 inches from the corner.
• Keep alarms at least ten feet from stoves and
  showers to avoid false alarms.

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How to Install Alarms

• Follow manufacturers instructions
• Use a drill and screwdriver.
• Plug-in alarms must have restraining devices so
  they are not unplugged by mistake.

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rmBattery.jpg
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How to Install Alarms

• Hard-wire alarms need to be installed by a
  qualified technician.
• Never connect a smoke alarm to a circuit that can
  be turned off from a wall switch.

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ch2.jpg
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Alarm Maintenance

• Test smoke alarms once month by pressing the test
  button.
• Install new batteries at least once a year.
• Clean smoke alarms using a vacuum without
  removing the alarms cover.
• Replace smoke alarms every ten years.

http//www.usfa.fema.gov/media/visuals/photos/smok
ealarms/install_smoke_alarm/InstallAlarmC1_1.jpg
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Alarms for the Hearing-Impaired

• Smoke alarms for the hearing-impaired have a
  built-in strobe light. The alarm has both an
  audible and visible signal and can be mounted in
  ceilings and walls.

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ceandinclusion.org.ttt/files/word/Picture13.jpg
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Summary

• What are the types of fire alarms?
• Ionization
• Photoelectric
• What is alarm maintenance?
• Cleaning and testing fire alarms
• Replacing batteries and fire alarms
• What are recommended practices for installing
  fire alarms and good locations to install them?
• Discuss