How To Help Consumers Choose A Smoke Alarm

Consumers should be advised of the following features when choosing a smoke alarm to best suit their needs:

Alarm Silencer

Smoke alarms with an alarm silencer feature will silence an alarming unit for several minutes, giving the air time to clear. These models are idal near kitchen and cooking areas where most nuisance alarms occur. Note: consumers should always determine the reason for the unit sounding before quickly dismissing it as a nuisance alarm and pressing the alarm silencer feature to silence the alarm.

Long Life Smoke Alarms

The NFPA reports that 1/3 of all smoke alarms installed in homes are not operating because of dead or missing batteries. This is an all too common occurrence in smoke alarms that leaves families and homes vulnerable.

Long life smoke alarms utilize lithium batteries that provide up to 10 years of continuous protection. Lithium batteries eliminate the need and expense of semi-annual battery replacement. When long life smoke alarms near the end of their tenth year in operation, they will sound a low battery signal to remind consumers to replace the entire unit.

Note: it is recommended that smoke alarms be replaced every 10 years and be tested regularly.

Emergency Light

Some smoke alarms have a built-in emergency light that will turn on when the unit goes into alarm. The emergency light will illuminate an escape route in case of a power failure. These units are best utilized when installed by stairs and in hallways.

Hardwire

Hardwire smoke alarms are connected to a home's AC power supply and should be intalled by a licensed electrician according to the local electrical code. AC power means you never have to replace a battery to protect your home and family.