The most importan reason is that most fatal home fires occur at night, while people are asleep. Gases and smoke from a fire in your home can numb the senses in a very short time. Every home needs a device that can wake people up in time to escape from a fire. Almost every day, a smoke detector saves somebody's life. That's why Illinois law and the Elmhurst City Code require smoke detectors in all homes, hotels and apartments. Of all the low-cost fire-alarm devices you can buy, your fire department considers smoke detectors the most effective.

There are dozens of reputable brands of smoke detectors are readily available. No matter where you buy your detectors or what type they are, be sure to buy only "U.L. labeled" units, those bearing the mark of Underwriter's Laboratories, an organization that tests and evaluates products. Any labeled smoke detector offers protection whether it's powered by batteries or household current. But to get the protection you paid for, it's vital that you follow the manufacturer's recommendations for installation, testing and maintenance.

The Caseyville Village Code requires one smoke detector outside within 15 feet of each bedroom on each level. The National Fire Protection Association Standard on Household Fire Warning Equipment (NFPA 74), has different requirements for different types of occupancies. You should contact the Caseyville Volunteer Fire Department (344-2141) if you have questions about your particular situation. You can add smoke detectors to other levels of the house where there are no bedrooms for an extra measure of security. Also, smoke detectors are not recommended for kitchens (because of false alarms from cooking vapors), garages (where automobile exhaust might cause alarms), or for attics or other unheated spaces where extremes of temperature or humidity might affect their operation.

ALWAYS FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURER'S INSTRUCTIONS. In most cases, all you need is a screwdriver and a drill. Non-system smoke detectors operate either on batteries or household current. A detector that plugs into a wall outlet must have a restraining device so that the plug cannot accidentally be pulled from the wall. Detectors can also be hard-wired into the electrical system. But never hard-wire a detector to a circuit that can be turned off at a wall switch. Smoke rises, so, each detector should be mounted high on a wall or on the ceiling to detect smoke as soon as possible. For a wall-mount, the top of the detector should be 4 to 12 inches from the ceiling. For a ceiling mount, the detector should be placed at least 4 inches from any wall. In a room with a high pitched ceiling, mount the detector on or near the ceiling's highest point. Don't install a detector near a window, door or air register where drafts could impair the detector operation. Locate a basement smoke detector close to the stairway leading to the floor above. But don't install the detector at the top of the basement stairs: dead air space near the door may prevent smoke from reaching the detector.

Every family should have a fire escape plan. The plan should include how to get out of the house if the hallway or area outside the bedroom door is filled with smoke and heat. Your plan should include a designated meeting place outside the house. This is so everyone can be sure everyone is out of the house. Once everyone is accounted for, someone call 911 and report the fire. DO NOT GO BACK INTO THE HOUSE FOR ANY REASON! You should practice the escape plan on a regular basis so everyone is familiar with what to do. If you need a help with an escape plan, contact the Caseyville Fire Department at 344-2141.

If your detector sounds a steady alarm, there may be a fire. If there is no smoke, there is probably cooking smoke, shower steam, or dust in the detector. Clean the detector or blow into the detector to clear the chamber. If the area is full of steam or cooking smoke, it may take some time for the detector to reset. If you are not sure why the detector is in alarm, CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. DIAL 911. If the detector chirps intermittenly, the battery is low and should be changed. Remember, check your detector once each month, clean the detector once a year, and change your detector battery when you change the time each fall.

Change your clock, change your battery.

Never paint the detector and do not use the battery for any other purpose such as radios or toys. There are detectors on the market with permanent 10 year batteries. Once the battery is used up, you can send the detector back to the manufacturer. Generally, detectors have a useful life of 10 years. After that, you can send them back to the manufacturer for disposal.

For further information on this or other subjects, or
to purchase smoke detectors and fire extinguishers contact the
Caseyville Fire Department at 344-2141

If you have any questions or comments about this site, please
contact the following individual:.

Caseyville Webmaster
Village of Caseyville, Illinois
(618)344-1233
webmaster@caseyville.org

Last Updated: 25 December 2000