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Copyright © 1997 Radionics, Inc.
D7024 Reference Guide
5.0 Operating Guide (continued)
5.6.1 If Installed in Family Residences
Adherence to NFPA Standard 72 can lead to reasonable fire safety when the following items are practiced:
• Minimize hazards: Avoid the three traditional fire killers: smoking in bed, leaving children home alone, and cleaning with
flammable liquids.
• Providing a fire warning system: Most fire deaths occur in the home, the majority, during sleeping hours. The minimum
level of protection requires smoke detectors to be installed outside of each separate sleeping area and on each additional
story of the dwelling.
For added early warning protection, it is recommended that detectors be installed in all separated areas including the
basement, bedrooms, dining room, utility room, furnace room, and hallways.
5.6.2 Having and Practicing an Escape Plan
A fire warning may be wasted unless the family has planned in advance for a rapid and safe exit from the building.
• Draw a floor plan of the entire house showing two exits from each bedroom and two from the house. Since stairwells
and hallways may be blocked during a fire, the plan should provide exits from bedroom windows. Make copies of the
plan and practice it with all family members.
• Pre-arrange a meeting place outside and away from the residence. Once out of the building, all occupants should
immediately go to the pre-selected location and be accounted for.
• Provide a barricade between family members and fire, smoke, and toxic gases (e.g. close all bedroom doors before
retiring).
• Children should be instructed on opening their bedroom windows and exiting safely from the building. If exiting is not
possible, they should be taught to stay at the open window and shout for help until it arrives.
• In the event of a fire alarm after retiring, wake the children by shouting to them from behind your closed door. Tell them
to keep their bedroom doors closed.
• If the top of your bedroom door is uncomfortably hot, do not open it. There is most likely fire, intolerable heat, or
smoke on the other side. Shout to all family members to keep their bedroom doors closed and to exit the building via
alternate routes.
• If the top of the door is not uncomfortably hot, brace the bottom of the door with your foot, and the top with one hand,
then open the door about one inch. Be prepared to slam the door shut if there is any pressure against the door or if
any hot air rushes in.
• If there is no evidence of excessive heat or pressure, leave the room and close the door behind you. Shout
appropriate instructions to all family members and immediately leave the building via the pre-planned routes. If heavy
smoke is present, drop to your hands and knees, or crawl to remain below the smoke level.
5.6.3 Installation Considerations
Proper location of detection devices is one of the most critical factors in a fire alarm system (see text below and the figure
at the top of the next page).
The following are some general considerations:
• Smoke detectors should not be installed in “dead air” spaces or close to ventilating or air conditioning outlets because
smoke may be circulated away from the detector. Locations near air inlets should be favored.
• Avoid areas subject to normal smoke concentrations such as kitchens, garages, or near fireplaces.
• Do not install smoke detectors where normal area temperatures are above 100 degrees F (38 degrees C) or below 32
degrees F (0 degrees C).
• Areas of high humidity and dust concentrations should be avoided.
• The edge of ceiling mounted detectors should be no closer than 4 inches (10 cm) from any wall.
• Place the top edge of wall mounted detectors between 4 and 12 inches (10 and 30 cm) from the ceiling.
For exact mounting information, refer to the instructions provided with the smoke detectors.
