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1. *Place Department Name Here* *Place Department Logo Here*

2. Fire Safety for Adults “Smoke Alarms”

3. Agenda • Introduction • Facts About Fire • Purpose of Smoke Alarms • Types of Smoke Alarms • Location of Smoke Alarms • Testing, Maintenance and Replacement • Conclusion

4. Facts About Fire • Fire is fast, hot and dark! • Most fatal fires happen at night when people are sleeping. • The smell of smoke may not wake you. • Fire produces poisonous gases and smoke which numb the senses and put you into a deeper sleep.

5. Smoke Alarms – They’re Life Savers • Smoke alarms provide and early warning of a fire problem. • This gives you TIME to get out safely. • Working smoke alarms can reduce your risk of dying in a fire by half!

6. Types of Smoke Alarms • Hard Wired vs. Battery Operated • Ionization vs. Photoelectric • Specialized Alarms

7. Hard Wired vs. Battery Operated Smoke Alarms • For continued protection in the event of a power failure it is recommended that every home have a battery operated smoke alarm.

8. Ionization vs.Photoelectric Smoke Alarms • Ionization alarms • Monitor electrically charged particles called ions • The alarms sounds when the change in electrical balance reaches a pre-set level • Photoelectric alarms • Use a beam of light and a light sensor to detect smoke • The alarm sounds when the smoke density reaches a pre-set level

9. Specialized Smoke Alarms • Specialized alarms with a pause feature are available for kitchen areas to prevent nuisance alarms. • Special communication aids which convert the sound of a smoke alarm to flashing lights or vibrations are available for the hearing impaired.

10. Location of Smoke Alarms • Read manufacturers instructions carefully and follow them. • Install smoke alarms on the ceiling. • Do not install smoke alarms near windows, doors, air registers where drafts could prevent smoke from reaching them. • Install working smoke alarms outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. • For maximum protection, also install a smoke alarm in every bedroom.

11. Testing, Maintenance & Replacement • Smoke alarms should be maintained through regular testing, cleaning and battery replacement. • Test in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions or once a month by pushing the test button and listening for the alarm.

12. Testing, Maintenance & Replacement (con’t) • For battery operated smoke alarms, replace batteries at least once a year or when the smoke alarm makes a chirping sound. • Clean smoke alarms regularly, at least once every 6 months by vacuuming the exterior. • Smoke alarms should be replaced at least every 10 years.

13. Conclusion • Smoke alarms are: • Affordable • Easy to install • Essential • Smoke alarms can save lives ONLY when they are working! • Test smoke alarms monthly • Clean smoke alarms regularly • Replace batteries at least once a year • Replace smoke alarms at least every 10 years