Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors provide a low cost means of effectively monitoring the atmosphere within your home for early signs of trouble.

Smoke detectors can be battery operated, powered by household current, or powered by household current with a battery backup.  Detectors that have flashing lights are also available for those with hearing impairment.  They sense very small amounts of particulate matter in the air.  Household fires that smolder usually produce minor amounts smoke long before the fire breaks out.  A smoke detector’s alert will probably allow the occupants to exit the structure safely before the smoke levels become life-threatening.  Here are a few pointers when mounting and maintaining smoke detectors:

• Test your smoke detector(s) regularly
• Smoke detectors requiring batteries must have the batteries changed periodically.  When a smoke detector’s battery is nearing the end of its lift, it will chirp.  This is different from the steady alert tone that would be sounded if smoke were present.  When you pull the battery out, do not replace the cover until a new battery has been installed.  It’s easy to forget that a detector’s battery has been removed if the cover is closed.  Most fire departments and detector manufacturers recommend that the battery be changed once a year.  Pick a special date (birthday, setting the clock back to daylight savings time, etc) to change your batteries.
• Smoke detectors should have the UL or FM seal
• Detectors should be mounted according to the manufacturer’s instructions.   Try not to mount detectors above a stove or cooking surface, in very drafty areas, insect infested areas, or where bathroom steam would cause the detector to sound.
• It’s recommended that smoke detectors be placed on every level of the house, in bedrooms, and in passageways like hallways and stairways.  Again, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for mounting.  (NOTE:  In rental housing in Marion, at least one smoke detector is required in the corridor giving access to sleeping rooms.  (See Section 165.10 of the Housing Code in the Inspection Information section of this website)

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless, and colorless gas that is usually produced by inefficient combustion in a furnace, water heater, or engine.  The only way to detect low levels of carbon monoxide is with a monitoring device.  Carbon monoxide detectors will alert when levels of carbon monoxide peak quickly or when low levels are present for a long time.

Carbon monoxide detectors are usually operated by household current and may have a battery backup.  It is important to mount your detector according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

If either your carbon monoxide or smoke detector emits the alert tone and you cannot find the reason for the alert, evacuate your house and call 911.  Marion Fire Department carries a gas monitor that will sense for carbon monoxide.  The gas company is also contacted when we respond on a carbon monoxide alarm.  They have equipment that can pinpoint the source of carbon monoxide production.  They are also much more familiar with the gas-fired appliances.

If you have any questions regarding your smoke detector, please consult the manufacturer or call the Marion Fire Department at 377-8237.