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Show Smoke detectors: a gift of life submitted by the P.C. Fire Department Wondering what to do with that cash you got for Christmas? Why not give yourself and your family the gift of life a smoke detector. Only about half of all American homes have even one smoke detector. Many of the homes that have one would be better off with two or three. Here's how to choose, install and maintain smoke detectors. p A smoke detector uses advanced ad-vanced electronics to sense the presence of smoke in minute quantities often many minutes before you'd know there was a fire any other way. Those minutes can be your window of safety when fire strikes at night. Smoke detectors are sold both with battery and AC (plug-in) power. While you never need to change batteries with a plug-in detector, cords can be pulled out, or power can fail early during an electrical fire. Your best bet: either a plug-in unit with reserve battery power, or a battery-powered machine that emits a distinctive secondary alarm when the battery runs low. Install the detector on the ceiling of the hallway that leads to the bedrooms. Multi-level homes should have one detector on each level including the basement. Install and maintain according to manufacturer's instructions. Now test the unit with the built in test button. If it does not have a test button, carefully test it with smoke from a cigarette or lighted candle. Don't hold the candle close enough to light or melt the plastic case. Plan to test each smoke detector monthly, to be sure it works. Now make the smoke detector the keystone of your family's home escape plan. Install emergency emer-gency ladders in upstairs bedrooms, bed-rooms, so there's always two ways out of every room. Then teach each family member to crawl to safety when the detector sounds. . If bedroom doors are closed, each sleeper should feel the door for heat. If it's cool, crawl outside. If it's warm, fire may be behind the door. Use the window. Tell everyone to meet at a designated place outside so you can be sure everyone is out. Your smoke detector can be the beginning of a home fire escape plan that ensures that each family member saves his or her own life when fire strikes. |