Smoke Alarm Information
Statistics show that in all reported fires that occurred in a residential structures for 2020, Thirty-Two percent (32%) had no smoke alarm and Six (6%) of those present failed to work. Of those that failed to work, Twenty-Eight percent (28%) were due to missing or dead batteries.
Statutory Requirment for Smoke and CO Alarms
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Fire Training Specialist
Virginia McMichael
5700 E. Tudor Road
Anchorage, AK 99507
Phone: (907) 269-5481
Fax: (907) 269-0134