NFPA STANDARD FOR SMOKE-DETECTOR LOCATION
The GEM-SMK should be installed in accordance with the National
Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 72, which is summarized
below.
Smoke detectors shall be installed outside of each separate area in
the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms and on each additional story of
the family living unit including basements and excluding crawl spaces
and unfinished attics. This represents the minimum number of detectors
required. It is recommended that the householder consider the use of
additional smoke or heat detectors for increased protection for those
areas separated by a door from areas protected by the required smoke
detectors. The recommended additional areas are: living room, dining
room, bedroom(s), kitchen, attic (finished or unfinished), furnace room,
utility room, basement, integral or attached garage and hallways.
However, the use of additional detectors remains the option of the
householder.
For family living units with one or more split levels (i.e., adjacent levels
with less than one full story separation between levels), a smoke detector
required as above shall suffice for an adjacent lower level, including
basements.
Exception: Where there is an intervening door between one level and
the adjacent lower level, a smoke detector shall be installed on the lower
level.
® Ceiling-mounted smoke alarms should be located in the center of
the room or hall, or not less than 4 inches from any wall. When the
detector is mounted on a wall, the top of the detector should be 4 to 12
inches from the ceiling.
® Do not install smoke alarms where normal ambient temperatures
are above 100°F (37.8°C), or below 40°F (4°C). Also, do not locate alarm
in front of air conditioners, heating registers, or other locations where
normal air circulation will keep smoke from entering the detector.
FIRE PREVENTION AND ESCAPE
The purpose of an early warning smoke alarm is to detect the presence
of fire in its early stages, and sound an alarm giving the occupants more
time to exit the premise before the smoke reaches a dangerous
concentration level.
Fires start even with the best of housekeeping and fire-prevention
procedures. Fire is an unexpected event. Early warning detection alerts
occupants in time to act.
KNOW FIRE HAZARDS. No detection device can protect life in all
situations. Therefore, safeguards should be taken to avoid such poten-
tially dangerous situations as smoking in bed, leaving children home
alone, cleaning with flammable liquids such as gasoline.
the best fire protection is minimizing fire hazards through proper
storage of materials and general good housekeeping techniques. A
cluttered basement, attic, or other storage area is an open invitation to
fire.
Careless use of combustible materials and electrical appliances, or
overloading of electrical outlets are other prime causes in starting fires.
It is most important that explosive and/or fast-burning materials be
eliminated from the home if at all possible.
Even after proper precautions have been taken, fires can start. Be
prepared.
IN CASE OF FIRE. Leave immediately. Don’t stop to pack or search
for valuables. In heavy smoke, hold your breath and stay low -- crawl if
necessary. The clearest air is usually at the floor.
If you have to go through a closed door, carefully feel the door and
door knob to see if undue heat is present. If they seem relatively cool,
brace your foot against the bottom of the door with your hip against the
door and one hand against the top edge. Open it slightly. If a rush of hot
air is felt, slam the door quickly and latch it. Unvented fire tends to build
up considerable pressure. Be sure all the household realizes and
understands this danger.
Use your neighbor’s phone or a street fire alarm box. The job of
extinguishing the fire should be left to the professionals. Too many
unforeseen things can occur when inexperienced people try to extin-
guish a fire.
BE PREPARED. Perform fire drills regularly. Use them to assure
recognition of an alarm signal. For your protection, simulate different
circumstances (smoke in hall, in living room, etc.). Then have everyone
react to the situation.
Draw a floor plan and show two exits from each room. Frequently, a
knotted rope or ladder from a window will serve this purpose. It is
important that children be instructed carefully, because they tend to hide
in times of
crisis.
It is imperative that one meeting place outside the home be estab-
lished. You should insist that everyone meet there during an alarm. This
will eliminate the tragedy of someone reentering the house for a missing
member who is actually safe.
If you have children and/or invalids residing in your household, you
can help your fire department. Most fire departments have window
decals available for use in children’s or invalid’s bedrooms.
Properly
use
d, these decals will quickly identify sleeping quarters of these
individuals and show the department where to look first for members of
your household.
® Additional information on Household Fire Warning is available at
nominal cost from The National Fire Protection Agency, Batterymarch
Park, Quincy, MA 02269. Request Standard No. NFPA 72.
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