Smoke Detectors
Change your clock, change your battery
Types of Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms, also called smoke detectors, are required by California State
Law (Health and Safety Code) in all homes and
apartment units. Most older alarms are battery powered. Some alarms are
powered by house current, while the newest alarms get their electricity
both from the building wiring and a backup battery.
There are two types of smoke alarms (photo-electric and ionization); each type has its advantages and
disadvantages. If you are experiencing nuisance alarms (from cooking, etc.),
changing the type of alarm could reduce the number of these calls.
Placement of Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms are intended to notify people of an impending fire where they
sleep. Smoke alarms should not be installed in garages or in the kitchen,
since this will surely result in nuisance alarms.
Smoke alarms should be installed in each sleeping room, and in the room or
hallway leading to the sleeping room. The device may be installed anywhere on
the ceiling but at least 6 inches from the wall. Alarms also may be
installed high on the wall, within 6 inches and 12 inches of the ceiling.
In dwellings built after the mid-1990s, all smoke alarms are interconnected
electrically. When one alarm senses smoke, it causes all the alarms to
sound.
What to do if a smoke alarm sounds
You should assume that the sound from a smoke alarm is informing you of a
fire. Investigate the source of the smoke. If there is a fire, leave your
house or apartment immediately, find a phone and call 9-1-1.
If there is smoke but no hostile fire, eliminate the source of the smoke, then
"fan" the alarm to purge it of smoke. Some alarms have a
temporary silence or "hush" button, which can be pushed to reduce
the sensitivity of the device for about 10 minutes. Do NOT remove the alarm's
battery to stop the alarm.
If your alarm is sounding for no reason, call the Fire Department at
757-5684 for assistance.
Smoke alarms will "chirp" every 30 seconds or so when the battery is
almost dead. This sound will persist for several days. When you hear
this chirp, change your to battery. Better yet, change the batteries twice a
year. This way, you will never hear the low battery signal!
Smoke alarms available for Davis residents
The Davis Fire Department will provide and install a smoke alarm to any citizen who requests one. Call 757-5684 to take advantage of this service.
