Sister Lakes Volunteer Fire Department
Safety Tips
Sister Lakes Volunteer Fire Department
92282 CR 690, Dowagiac, MI 49047
Phone: 269-424-3145 Fax: 269-424-5560
Most fatal home fires happen at night, while people are asleep. Did you know the smell of smoke usually won't wake you, in fact, the gases in the smoke can put you in an even deeper sleep? Smoke detectors give you time to escape cutting your risk of dying in home fire nearly in half.
Choosing a Detector
Many brands can be found in hardware and discount stores. Be sure the detector bears the label of the State Fire Marshal and a testing laboratory, like U.L. Some detectors run on batteries, electric current, or a combination of both. All approved detectors will offer adequate protection as long as they are maintained and tested regularly.
How Many Is Enough?
Install at least one smoke detector on every level of your home, including
one in every bedroom and outside each sleeping area. Don't place them in
bathrooms, garages and kitchens where steam, exhaust, and cooking fumes
could set off false alarms.
How to Install
Smoke rises so mount detectors on the ceiling at least 4 inches from the nearest wall. If the ceiling is pitched, install near the highest point. If wall mounting, make sure it is 4 - 12 inches from the ceiling.
Detectors should be located at every level of a home - first floor, second floor, basement, and attic if it is furnished - and inside every separate sleeping area. If hallways are 40 feet in length, detectors should be located at each end of the hallway.
Maintenance
When the Detector Sounds...
How you respond in a fire is just as important as having a working smoke detector.