A near tragedy occurred in Charlotte over the weekend (March 23 , 2009) : two smoke alarms located in an apartment fire,  were out of service and did not perform since their batteries had been removed. One of the occupants had gotten up early to go to work and discovered the fire. Had this occupant not gotten up, or id the fire had started earlier, the outcome would have probably been very grim.

Fire Facts from the National Fire Protection Association:

• Ninety-six percent of all homes have at least one smoke alarm. Overall, three quarters of all U.S. homes have at least one working smoke alarm.
• Sixty-five percent of reported home fire deaths in 2000-2004 resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarm or no working smoke alarms.
• No smoke alarms were present in 43% of the home fire deaths
• In 22% of the home fire deaths, smoke alarms were present but did not sound.
• The death rate per 100 reported fires is twice as high in homes without working smoke alarms  as homes with working smoke alarms.
• An estimated 890 lives could be saved each year if all homes had working smoke alarms!

• Purchase one or more smoke alarms.
• Install your alarms properly.
• Identify escape routes and practice escaping.
• Maintain your alarms.
• A smoke alarm is a fire alarm that buzzes when it detects smoke, warning you in time to escape.

A working smoke alarm increases your chance of surviving  a house fire by more than 50%

What kind should I buy?
 There are two types of smoke alarms,  Ionization and Photoelectric

An ionization smoke alarm uses a small amount of radioactive material to ionize air in the sensing chamber. When products of combustion enter the chamber, the conductivity of the chamber air decreases.  When this reduction reaches a predetermined level, the alarm sounds. Ionization type smoke alarms tend to respond faster to the smoke produced by flaming fires than photoelectric type smoke alarms.   

Photoelectric smoke alarms consists of a light emitting diode and a light sensitive sensing chamber. The presence of  suspended products of combustion in the chamber scatters the light beam. The scattered light is detected and sets off the alarm. Photoelectric type smoke alarms tend to respond to the smoke produced by smoldering fires than ionization type smoke alarms

Both ionization and photoelectric alarms are effective smoke sensors. Both types of smoke alarms must pass the same test to be certified as UL smoke detectors. Ionization alarms  respond more quickly to flaming fires with smaller combustion particles; photoelectric alarms respond more quickly to smoldering fires. In either type of alarm, steam or high humidity can lead to condensation on the circuit board and sensor, causing the alarm to sound. Ionization alarms are less expensive than photoelectric alarms, but some users purposely disable them because they are more likely to sound an alarm from normal cooking due to their sensitivity to minute smoke particles. 

Which type alarm is best for residential use?
According to the U.S. Fire Administration it cannot be stated categorically that one type of smoke alarm is better than any other type smoke alarm  in every fire situation that could possibly occur in a residence. The U.S. Fire Administration recommends that every residence and place where people sleep be equipped with either (a) both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms, or (b) dual sensor smoke alarms (which contain both ionization and photoelectric smoke sensors).

   -  Smoke alarms can be  house current, battery operated, or house current with a battery back up. If your electricity goes out you will not have smoke alarm protection if your alarm does not have a battery. 

How much does a smoke alarm cost?
   -  A smoke alarm may be purchased at most retail stores for about $10.00

How many should I have in my house?
    -  There should be a least one smoke alarm on every level of your household.  Additional alarms will significantly increase your chances of survival.

Where should I install my smoke alarms?
Follow the manufacturer's guidance on the recommended location of smoke alarms in a house. Most smoke alarms should be placed on the ceiling or high on a wall near the bedrooms. This enables the alarm to sense the smoke as it approaches the sleeping area. Install your smoke alarm away from air outlet vents to prevent dust accumulation. Call your local fire station for advice on the best place to install your alarms.

How do I install my smoke alarms?
   -  Battery-operated and "plug-in" electric alarms can be attached directly to the ceiling or wall. 
   -  "Wired-in" electric alarms are somewhat more difficult to install and may require an electrician.

Know How to Escape
   -  Your smoke alarm will awaken you, but you may not be thinking clearly. You should practice escaping before an emergency strikes. Learn more about fire escape plans.

Why ?
   -  Once a fire has started, it spreads rapidly. You may have only seconds to get out.    Normal exits from bedrooms may be blocked by smoke or fire. It is important everyone knows exactly what to do.

Identify Escape Routes
   -  Plan two exits from every room. Second story windows may need a rope or chain ladder to enable occupants to escape safely. Choose a meeting place outside the home so you'll know everyone has escaped.
 
Practice Escaping
    -  Practice allows you to test your plan before a real emergency. You may not be able to reach your children! It is important that they know exactly what to do.

Maintenance is Important
   -  Your smoke alarm must be maintained properly to provide you and your family with protection.

How do I maintain my smoke alarms?
   -  Replace batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions. Remember to change batteries when you change your clocks!
   -  Dust the grill of your alarm.
   -  Test your alarm monthly or according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Smoke Alarm  Program

In 1982, the Smoke Alarm  Installation Program began, Fire Department personnel install for smoke alarms for residents identified as low income, elderly or handicapped. To find out more about this program call the smoke alarm hotline at 704-336-2697 or contact your nearest fire station.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Flashing Smoke Alarms Program
The Charlotte Fire Department and the Programs for Accessible Living work together to identify clients who need smoke alarms designed for the deaf and hard of hearing. Once the exact type of system has been identified, firefighters will install the alarms.

To apply for flashing smoke alarm for deaf and hard of hearing citizens call Programs for Accessible Living, at 704-537-0550.

You may purchase your own smoke alarm for the deaf and hard of hearing. There are several manufacturers of these alarms.  All alarms purchased, that plug into an electrical outlet should have a battery back up and be UL approved.

USFA Released this Investigative Report on Fatal Residential Fires August 3, 2006:

EMMITSBURG, MD. - The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) announces the release of a special report regarding fatal residential structure fires with working smoke alarms. From 2001-2004, 391 fatal residential structure fires with working smoke alarms were reported to the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) resulting in 452 civilian fire fatalities.

"Each year an unacceptable number of American citizens lose their lives in residential structure fires where smoke alarms operated," said Acting USFA Fire Administrator Charlie Dickinson. "USFA has investigated the characteristics of the victims of these fires to better educate the public in taking preventative measures to reduce the risks involved with such fires."

Alarms operated in 34 percent of fatal apartment fires and in 12 percent of fatal one- and two-family dwelling fires. Thirty-seven percent of the victims of fatal residential structure fires with working smoke alarms were sleeping at the time of their death. An additional 29 percent of victims were trying to escape the fire at the time of their fatal injury.

"We know the value that smoke alarms, escape plans, child fire prevention programs, and residential sprinklers can have on saving lives," said Dickinson. "We continue to encourage all residents of this nation to take the steps necessary to ensure their homes are fire safe today."

The report, Investigation of Fatal Residential Structure Fires with Operational Smoke Alarms, was developed by the USFA's National Fire Data Center as part of its Topical Fire Research Series and is based on data from the NFIRS for 2001-2004. The report examines residential structure fires with fatalities where smoke alarms operated and addresses the characteristics of these fatalities.

A copy of this report and other reports in this series may be downloaded from http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/statistics/reports/pubs/tfrs.shtm