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Smoke DetectorsSmoke Detectors are Now Required by Law! By Gil Strachan By now, everyone should have at least one smoke detector somewhere in the home; and most folks have at least one on every level, including the basement. But did you know... * Pushing the test button only verifies that there is battery (or AC) power present. It DOES NOT PROVE that the detector is capable of sensing smoke. * To test a smoke detector, hold a lit candle 6 inches below it. If the alarm doesn't sound, blow out the candle and let the smoke drift into the detector. If it still doesn't sound, check the power source. * Homes with wired-in detectors should have a battery-powered unit as a back-up. * Rechargeable batteries are NOT recommended for smoke detectors. * When installing a smoke detector, avoid dead-air spaces in corners and at the very ends of hallways. Centre your smoke detector on a ceiling, keeping it at least 6 inches from any wall. Locate a wall-mounted unit one foot below the ceiling. * Smoke detectors should be kept away from drafts at vents, doors and windows. * The tops of stairwells and any hallways leading to bedrooms are the recommended locations, the latter being the most critical, and the site recommended by the National Fire Code. * Carefully (gently) vacuum your detectors annually. About one quarter of all the homes we inspect have improperly located or non-functioning smoke detectors, or none at all! CHECK YOUR SMOKE DETECTORS TODAY!
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