Fire Dept. - Home Fire Detection

Smoke Detectors Save Lives

A working smoke detector in your home cuts your chances of dying in a fire by half.

Since most fire fatalities happen at night while the victim is asleep and since most fire victims are killed by the toxic smoke and gases, not the fire itself, an early warning signal is very important. Contrary to popular belief, the smell of smoke does not always wake a sleeping person. Instead the poisonous gases and smoke produced by the fire can put a sleeping person into an even deeper sleep. Only a working smoke detector can provide the early warning signal needed in a fire emergency. Household smoke detectors are designed to sound an alarm that will wake a sleeping person from a deep sleep, giving them enough time to escape their burning home.

The Atchison Fire Department will help you install smoke detectors in your home. Call 367-4329 for an appointment.

FOR OWNER OCCUPIED DWELLINGS

The Smoke Detector Act of 1998 became effective July 1st, 1998. In an effort to assist residents of the City of Atchison comply with this legislation, the Atchison Fire Department has developed the following information and established policies:

The dwelling units of each owner occupied single or two family residences shall be checked for smoke detector function and placement at the time of our response. Smoke detectors batteries shall be replaced as needed by the responders. Smoke detectors shall be provided by the Atchison Fire Department as needed. The officer in charge shall determine the number of needed detectors.

If you need assistance installing the smoke detectors call 367-4329 Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm for an appointment.

SELECTION OF SMOKE DETECTORS & PLACEMENT

Shown above are examples of proper smoke detector placement; however please follow manufacturer's installation recommendations

Install at least one smoke detector on each level of your home, preferably outside the sleeping areas.

Install one smoke detector at each end of hallways longer than 30 feet.

To avoid false alarms, avoid installing detectors in kitchens, bathrooms, or near fireplaces & wood

Don't install a smoke detector too near a window, door or forced air register where drafts could interfere with the detector's operation.

Smoke detectors are not recommended for use in kitchens, bathrooms, or garages, where cooking fumes, steam, or exhaust can set off the alarm when there is no fire. Relocate it away from the kitchen or bathroom, or install an exhaust fan.

Detectors need to be mounted high on a wall or on the ceiling. Wall mounted units should be installed so that the detector is located at least 4 inches from the ceiling but no more than 12 inches from the ceiling. A ceiling mounted detector should be attached at least 4 inches from the nearest wall. In a room with a pitched ceiling, mount the detector at or near the ceiling's highest point.

In stairways with no doors at the top or bottom, position the smoke detectors at the top of each stairwell where smoke rises quickly.

In closed stairways, such as those leading from the basement, position a smoke detector at the bottom of the stairway also, because dead air trapped near the door at the top of a stairway could prevent smoke from reaching a detector located at the top.

SMOKE DETECTOR MAINTENANCE

Test your smoke detector batteries once a month and replace any battery that is too weak to sound the alarm.

Most detectors "chirp" to alert you when their battery power is low. When you hear the warning, replace the batteries don't just disconnect the unit.

Replace smoke detector batteries routinely on the same day each year. It is suggested the last Sunday in October, the day you roll the clocks back from Daylight Savings to Standard Time each fall. Change your clocks; change your batteries.

Too often people disable smoke detectors by removing their batteries for other uses. Never borrow batteries from a smoke detector

FOR RENTER OCCUPIED DWELLINGS

The Smoke Detector Act of 1998 became effective July 1st, 1998. In an effort to assist residents of the City of Atchison comply with this legislation, the Atchison Fire Department has developed the following information and established policies:

The dwelling unit of each renter occupied residence shall be checked for smoke detector function and placement at the time of our response. Smoke detectors batteries shall be replaced as needed by the responders. The owner of the structure shall provide smoke detectors within thirty days of the renter's written notice that their dwelling unit does not have adequate smoke detection. The Atchison Fire Department will be available to assist the owner of the structure with the proper placement of the smoke detectors. The renter shall be contacted within 45 days to see if compliance with the smoke detector act is in effect.

The occupant of rental dwelling shall be responsible for the maintenance and testing of all smoke detectors in their unit after taking possession. If you need assistance gaining compliance with the smoke detectors call 367-4329 Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm for more compliance information or an appointment.

SELECTION OF SMOKE DETECTORS & PLACEMENT

Most fatal home fires occur at night while people are asleep. A person who is asleep or disoriented by toxic gases may not realize there is a fire. Smoke detectors alert people in time to escape safely.

77% of U.S. homes have at least one smoke detector. In 1/3 of these homes the detectors are not operational.

A good smoke detector should have a loud alarm, easily replaceable batteries, a malfunction signal, easy maintenance and cleaning, a long term warranty, a UL (Underwriter's Laboratory), FM (Factory Mutual) or equivalent testing label.

A smoke detector is available that has a tamperproof 10 year lithium battery at a reasonable cost. Ask for it.

Shown above are examples of proper smoke detector placement; however please follow manufacturer's installation recommendations

Install at least one smoke detector on each level of your home, preferably outside the sleeping areas.

Install one smoke detector at each end of hallways longer than 30 feet.

To avoid false alarms, avoid installing detectors in kitchens, bathrooms, or near fireplaces and wood burning stoves.

Don't install a smoke detector too near a window, door or forced air register where drafts could interfere with the detector's operation.

Smoke detectors are not recommended for use in kitchens, bathrooms, or garages, where cooking fumes, steam, or exhaust can set off the alarm when there is no fire. Relocate it away from the kitchen or bathroom, or install an exhaust fan.

Detectors need to be mounted high on a wall or on the ceiling. Wall mounted units should be installed so that the detector is located at least 4 inches from the ceiling but no more than 12 inches from the ceiling. A ceiling mounted detector should be attached at least 4 inches from the nearest wall. In a room with a pitched ceiling, mount the detector at or near the ceiling's highest point.

In stairways with no doors at the top or bottom, position the smoke detectors at the top of each stairwell where smoke rises quickly.

SMOKE DETECTOR MAINTENANCE

Test your smoke detector batteries once a month and replace any battery that is too weak to sound the alarm.

Most detectors "chirp" to alert you when their battery power is low. When you hear the warning, replace the batteries don't just disconnect the unit.

Replace smoke detector batteries routinely on the same day each year. It is suggested the last Sunday in October, the day you roll the clocks back from Daylight Savings to Standard Time each fall. Change your clocks; change your batteries.

Too often people disable smoke detectors by removing their batteries for other uses. Never borrow batteries from a smoke detector.

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