Smoke Detectors are Now Required by Law!

   

Smoke 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!

Copyright Gil Strachan - All rights reserved.

Gil Strachan is a professional home inspector, representing Electrospec Home Inspection Services in east-central Ontario, Canada since 1994. Visit http://www.allaroundthehouse.com to learn more about home inspections.

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