Avoid Going Up In Smoke with These Tips

What You Don't Know About Smoke Alarms Can Kill You

It's not often you shell out money for something you don't ever want to use. But smoke detectors are a different animal than most products. Many of us will change the battery in our alarms this weekend, as you we proceed with the annual clock changing ritual. But is the device designed to warn you about a fire in your home working properly? And do you need a new one?

Some people aren't aware that changing the battery may not be enough. Smoke detectors don't last forever - most have about a 10-year lifespan. And the law in Ontario says there has to a working model on every floor of your house, or you could face a big fine. But that's still a lot better than facing a big fire.

"You normally see a rise in fires during the winter months so it's the perfect opportunity to change your battery," explained Marla Friebe, Toronto Fire Services.

One of the reasons smoke alarms don't work is because people disconnect them themselves when they're cooking. But instead of turning it off altogether Friebe suggested pushing the "hush" button that sits on the front of the casing.

"It will silence the alarm for just a few minutes, reset itself and then it's primed for working again when you need it most," she said.

And another thing that can seriously hinder the device from functioning properly is dust. So after you've set your clocks back this weekend, you might want to take a minute to clean out your smoke alarm by popping open the lid and vacuuming the inside with the wand of your vacuum.

A little effort and maintenance will go a long way and could potentially save your life. And another thing to keep in mind is that smoke alarms don't detect deadly and odourless carbon monoxide. You need a separate alarm for that.

Statistics show that 14 people lost their lives in house fires in Toronto last year alone.

Fire/Smoke Alarm Tips (information courtesy of Toronto Fire):

• Install smoke alarms on the ceiling of every level of your home and near sleeping areas
• Test your smoke alarms regularly by pressing the test button
• Change the batteries in your alarms at least once a year
• Create a family fire escape plan and practise it
• Prevent dust from clogging your smoke alarms by gently vacuuming them with a soft brush every six months. Never vacuum electrically connected alarms unless you shut off the power. Test each unit when finished.

Choosing A Fire/Smoke Alarm (information courtesy of the Ontario Fire Marshal's Office):

There are two types of fire/smoke alarms: ionization or photoelectric type alarms

What's the difference?

Ionization:
This type of alarm uses a small amount of radioactive material to ionize air in the sensing chamber. As a result, the air chamber becomes conductive permitting current to flow between two charged electrodes. When smoke particles enter the chamber, the conductivity of the chamber air decreases. When this reduction in conductivity is reduced to a predetermined level, the alarm is set off. Most smoke alarms in use are of this type.

Photoelectric:
A photoelectric type smoke alarm consists of a light emitting diode and a light sensitive sensor in the sensing chamber. The presence of suspended smoke particles in the chamber scatters the light beam. This scattered light is detected and sets off the alarm.

Which type of alarm is more effective?

There is no simple answer to this question. The two types operate on different principles and therefore may respond differently to various conditions. Some advantages to each type are set out below:

Ionization

• Fastest type to respond to flaming fires Lowest cost and most commonly sold
• Some models have a hush or temporary silence feature that allows silencing without removing the battery
• Some models are available with a long life battery

Photoelectric

• Fastest type to respond to slow smoldering fires and white or gray smoke
• Less prone to nuisance alarms from cooking

Many newer models now come with a temporary silencing device that turns them off if you're cooking, preventing the detectors from responding to smoke from a not-so-distant fire.

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What is carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is a gas that you can't see, smell or taste. It's produced by gas or oil furnaces, space and water heaters, clothes dryers, ovens, wood stoves and other household appliances that run on fossil fuels - such as wood, gas, oil or coal.

Why is carbon monoxide so deadly?

When you inhale carbon monoxide, it can cause brain damage, suffocation or death. Because you cannot see, smell or taste this deadly gas, poisoning can happen to anyone, any time, anywhere. Everyone is at risk but pregnant women, young children, senior citizens and people with heart and lung problems are at greater risk. If your home is well sealed or not well ventilated, the levels of carbon monoxide in the air may easily rise to deadly levels.

Warning signs

Carbon monoxide poisoning and the flu seem a lot alike at first. Early warning signs of low-level poisoning include tiredness, headaches, dizziness, nausea or vomiting and shortness of breath. Your skin may also turn pink or red in response to rising blood pressure. If you experience any of these symptoms, you may be suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning and should call 9-1-1 as well as talk to your doctor.

Protect yourself

Install at least one carbon monoxide detector on every level of your home, especially outside sleeping areas. There are several types of detectors, including battery-operated and plug-in models. Install the carbon monoxide detector according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Have a qualified service technician inspect and clean your fuel-burning appliances, furnace, vent pipe and chimney flues once a year. Bird nests, twigs and old mortar in chimneys can block proper ventilation and lead to build-up of carbon monoxide gas in the home.

Maintenance

Test your carbon monoxide detector regularly to make sure it is operating properly. The owner's manual should tell you how to test your alarm. Remember to check the manual for information on when to buy a new carbon monoxide detector.

What should you do if the detector alarm sounds?

You and all members of your household should leave your home immediately. From outside the home, call 911. Don't go back inside until the problem has been found and corrected. The Fire Services will inspect your home to find the source of the carbon monoxide.

Outside

Carbon monoxide isn't really a problem in the open air. But you should never run your car in the garage with the door closed. The results are always deadly.

Information courtesy Toronto Public Health

Source: CityNews.ca