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SMOKE
DETECTORS SAVE LIVES!
Smoke detectors are often the first line of defense against
residential fire fatalities, and they more than double your chance
of surviving a fire. We have responded to countless incidents in
Apex where smoke detectors enabled occupants to evacuate the
residence and contact emergency services quickly, giving us a
greater chance of saving lives and property.
In addition to having
smoke detectors, you should create an evacuation plan for your
family. Know your exit options, and for multi-story dwellings, have
a fire escape ladder or some other means to get out safely in the
event that the stairwell is inaccessible. Have a prearranged
assembly area for your family so that you can quickly account for
everyone. Especially for those households with children, PRACTICE
these drills so that everyone will know what to do in the event of
an emergency!
INSTALLATION
 | Smoke detectors should be located on each level of a
residence, including the basement, and must be audible from
behind closed bedroom doors.
 | To avoid false alarms, place detectors away from heater /
air conditioner vents, bathrooms (steam can cause an
activation), cooking areas and fireplaces.
 | Detectors mounted on the wall should be 6" - 12"
from the ceiling. Those mounted on the ceiling should be at
least 6" away from the wall. This ensures that there is
adequate flow to enable the detector to activate under smoke
conditions. |
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MAINTENANCE
Remember, smoke detectors can't help us if they are not kept in
working condition! ALWAYS FOLLOW
MANUFACTURERS' RECOMMENDATIONS!
 | Inspect and test each detector once per month. Make sure
they are free of dust and critters.
 | Change the batteries twice a year. A good way to remember
this is to change your smoke detector batteries when you adjust
your clocks for Daylight Savings Time. |
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