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Ionization type smoke alarms use a very small amount of a radioactive ele-
ment in the sensing chamber to enable detection of visible and invisible
combustion products. The radioactive element is safely contained in the
chamber and requires no adjustments or maintenance. This smoke alarm
meets or exceeds all government standards. It is manufactured and distrib-
uted under license from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
9. NRC Information
10. NFPA Required Protection
The National Fire Protection Association’s Standard 72 provides the following
information:
Smoke Detection - Where required by applicable laws, codes, or standards
for a specific type of occupancy, approved single- and multiple-station
smoke alarms shall be installed as follows:
(1) In all sleeping rooms and guest rooms
(2) Outside of each separate dwelling unit sleeping area, within 6.4 m (21 ft)
of any door to a sleeping room, the distance measured along a path of travel
(3) On every level of a dwelling unit, including basements
(4) On every level of a residential board and care occupancy (small facility),
including basements and excluding crawl spaces and unfinished attics
(5) In the living area(s) of a guest suite
(6) In the living area(s) of a residential board and care occupancy (small facility)
Are More Smoke Alarms Desirable? The required number of smoke alarms
might not provide reliable early warning protection for those areas separated
by a door from the areas protected by the required smoke alarms. For this
reason, the use of additional smoke alarms for those areas for increased pro-
tection is recommended. The additional areas include the basement, bed-
rooms, dining room, furnace room, utility room, and hallways not protected
by the required smoke alarms. The installation of smoke alarms in kitchens,
attics (finished or unfinished), or garages is not normally recommended,
because these locations occasionally experience conditions that can result in
improper operation.
7. Limitations of Smoke Alarms
• If the alarm is located outside the sleeping room or on a different
floor, it may not wake up a sound sleeper.
• The use of alcohol or drugs may also impair one’s ability to hear the
smoke alarm. For maximum protection, a smoke alarm should be
installed in each sleeping area on every level of a home.
• Although smoke alarms can help save lives by providing an early
warning of a fire, they are not a substitute for an insurance policy.
Home owners and renters should have adequate insurance to protect
their lives and property.
8. Good Safety Habits
DEVELOP AND PRACTICE A PLAN OF ESCAPE
• Make a floor plan indicating all doors and windows and at least two
(2) escape routes from each room. Second story windows may need a
rope or chain ladder.
• Have a family meeting and discuss your escape plan, showing every-
one what to do in case of fire.
• Determine a place outside your home where you all can meet if a fire
occurs.
• Familiarize everyone with the sound of the smoke alarm and train
them to leave your home when they hear it
• Practice a fire drill at least every six months, including fire drills at
night. Ensure that small children hear the alarm and wake when it
sounds. They must wake up in order to execute the escape plan.
Practice allows all occupants to test your plan before an emergency.
You may not be able to reach your children. It is important they know
what to do.
• Install and maintain fire extinguishers on every level of the home and
in the kitchen, basement and garage. Know how to use a fire extin-
guisher prior to an emergency.
• Current studies have shown smoke alarms may not awaken all sleep-
ing individuals, and that it is the responsibility of individuals in the
household that are capable of assisting others to provide assistance to
those who may not be awakened by the alarm sound, or to those
who may be incapable of safely evacuating the area unassisted.
• There are situations where a smoke alarm may not be effective to pro-
tect against fire as noted by the NFPA and UL. For instance:
- Smoking in bed.
- Leaving children unsupervised.
- Cleaning with flammable liquids, such as gasoline.
- Fires where the victim is intimate with a flaming initiated fire; for
example, when a person's clothes catch fire while cooking.
- Fires where the smoke is prevented from reaching the detector due
to a closed door or other obstruction.
- Incendiary fires where the fire grows so rapidly that an occupant's
egress is blocked even with properly located detectors
8. Good Safety Habits