Why do smoke detectors fail? The reason most often is missing, dead or disconnected batteries. While 94% of homes have at least one smoke detector, in approximately 30% of those the smoke detector does not work. Homes with smoke detectors typically have a death rate that is 40 – 50% less than the rate for homes without detectors. Households with non-working smoke detectors now outnumber those with working smoke detectors. Unfortunately, one half of the fire deaths occur in 6% of the homes without any detectors.

The Lisle-Woodridge Fire District and NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) recommend you install at least one smoke detector on each floor of your home including the basement and outside of each sleeping area. If you follow their safety recommendation and sleep with the bedroom door closed, the District and NFPA recommend installing smoke detectors inside the room in addition to those located in the hallway. According to the National Fire Alarm Code, in new homes, smoke detectors are required in all sleeping rooms.

Because smoke rises, detectors should be mounted high on walls or ceilings. Wall mounted detectors should be positioned 4 – 12 inches from the ceiling; ceiling mounted detectors should be positioned 4 inches away from the nearest wall. If the ceiling is vaulted, the smoke detector should be mounted at the highest possible point on the ceiling. Smoke detectors should not be installed near a window, door or forced air register where drafts could interfere with their operation.

Be sure that the smoke detector you buy carries the label of an independent testing laboratory.

Detectors that are hard wired to the home’s electrical system should be installed by a qualified electrician.

You should test your smoke detector at least once each month. Clean the units in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Some smoke detectors have a sealed battery compartment which includes a ten year battery. If you do not have one of these detectors, install new batteries in all smoke detectors at least once a year (for example, when you change your clocks) or when the detector “chirps”, warning that the battery is dying. NEVER “borrow” the smoke detector battery for other purposes. You should replace all smoke detector batteries immediately upon moving into a new home.

Non-emergency activation can be addressed by moving the detector further away from kitchen or bathroom steam and by cleaning the unit more frequently. If the problem persists, replace the detector.

Lastly, according to the NFPA, smoke detectors should be replaced every ten years.

While smoke detectors alert people to fires, families still need to develop and practice home fire escape plans so that they can get out quickly.

For more information on this or any other fire prevention issue, contact the Lisle-Woodridge Fire Prevention Bureau at 630-353-3030.