How to install smoke detector for home apartment?

Guidelines for Locating Smoke Detectors

Research has shown that all hostile fires in homes generate smoke to a greater or lesser extent.?Experiments with typical fires in homes indicate that detectable quantities of smoke precede detectable levels of heat in most cases. For these reasons, smoke alarms should be installed out-side of each sleeping area and on each story of the home.

The following information is for general guidance only and it is recommended that local fire?codes and regulations be consulted when locating and installing smoke alarms.?It is recommended that additional smoke alarms beyond those required for minimum protection be installed. Additional areas that should be protected include: the basement; bedrooms,?especially where smokers sleep; dining rooms; furnace and utility rooms; and any hallways not?protected by the required units.

On smooth ceilings, detectors may be spaced 9.1m (30 feet) apart as a guide. Other spacing?may be required depending on ceiling height, air movement, the presence of joists, un-insulated?ceilings, etc. Consult National Fire Alarm Code NFPA 72, CAN/ULC-S553-M86 or other appropriate national standards for installation recommendations.

? Do not locate smoke detectors at the top of peaked or gabled ceilings; the dead air space in?these locations may prevent the unit from detecting smoke.

? Avoid areas with turbulent air flow, such as near doors, fans or windows. Rapid air movement?around the detector may prevent smoke from entering the unit.

? Do not locate detectors in areas of high humidity.

? Do not locate detectors in areas where the temperature rises above 38oC (100oF) or falls?below 5oC (41oF).

? Smoke detectors should always be installed in accordance with NFPA 72, the National Fire?Alarm Code. Smoke detectors should always be located in accordance with:?‘Smoke detectors shall be installed outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms and on each additional storey of the family living unit, including basements and excluding crawl spaces and unfinished attics. In new construction, a smoke detector?also shall be installed in each sleeping room’.’Split level arrangement: Smoke detectors are required where shown. Smoke detectors are optional where a door is not provided between living room and recreation room’.

Household Fire Safety Audit

Read this section carefully for important information about fire safety.

Most fires occur in the home. To minimize this danger, we recommend that a household fire?safety audit be conducted and a fire escape plan be developed.

1. Are all electrical appliances and outlets in a safe condition? Check for frayed cords, overloaded?lighting circuits, etc. If you are uncertain about the condition of your electrical appliances or?household service, have a professional evaluate these units.

2. Are all flammable liquids stored safely in closed containers in a well-ventilated cool area? Cleaning with flammable liquids should be avoided.

3. Are fire-hazardous materials (matches) well out of reach of children?

4. Are furnaces and wood-burning appliances properly installed, clean and in good working order?

Have a professional evaluate these appliances.

Fire Escape Planning

There is often very little time between the detection of a fire and the time it becomes deadly. It is thus

very important that a family escape plan be developed and rehearsed.

1. Every family member should participate in developing the escape plan.

2. Study the possible escape routes from each location within the house. Since many fires occur at

night, special attention should be given to the escape routes from sleeping quarters.

3. Escape from a bedroom must be possible without opening the interior door.

Consider the following when making your escape plans:

? Make sure that all border doors and windows are easily opened. Ensure that they are not painted

shut, and that their locking mechanisms operate smoothly.

? If opening or using the exit is too difficult for children, the elderly or handicapped, plans for rescue should be developed. This includes making sure that those who are to perform the rescue?can promptly hear the fire warning signal.

? If the exit is above the ground level, an approved fire ladder or rope should be provided as well as?training in its use.

? Exits on the ground level should be kept clear. Be sure to remove snow from exterior patio doors?in winter; outdoor furniture or equipment should not block exits.

? Each person should know of a predetermined assembly point where everyone can be accounted?for (e.g., across the street or at a neighbor’s house). Once everyone is out of the building, call the?Fire Department.

? A good plan emphasizes quick escape. Do not investigate or attempt to fight the fire, and do not?gather belongings or pets as this wastes valuable time. Once outside, do not re-enter the house.?Wait for the fire department.

? Write the fire escape plan down and rehearse it frequently so that should an emergency arise,?everyone will know what to do. Revise the plan as conditions change, such as the number of?people in the home, or if there are changes to the building’s construction.

? Make sure your fire warning system is operational by conducting weekly tests. If you are unsure?about system operation, contact your installing dealer.

? We recommend that you contact your local fire department and request further information on?fire safety and escape planning. If available, have your local fire prevention officer conduct an inhouse fire safety inspection.