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Smoke Detector Program
Decatur Fire Department administers a Smoke Detector Program which includes the installation or battery change of smoke detectors for Decatur residents who are low income or elderly to insure safe living. Smoke alarms save lives, but only if they are installed and working. The majority of fatality fires occur in homes without working smoke alarms. We recommend the following:
Install:
- Smoke alarms are designed to wake you up if a fire starts while you are sleeping. So you should install your smoke alarms near bedrooms and other sleeping areas in your home.
- We recommend that you install at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home
- Mount smoke alarms high on walls or ceilings (remember, smoke rises). If you have ceilings that are pitched, install the alarm near the ceiling's highest point.
- Don't install smoke alarms near windows, doors, or ducts where drafts might interfere with their operation.
- Smoke alarms should not be installed in attics, bathrooms or garages.
- Install smoke alarms away from the kitchen to prevent false alarms. Generally, they should be at least 10 feet from a cooking appliance.
Test:
When was the last time you heard your smoke alarm? Battery-operated alarms should be tested once a month to make certain they are working.
Change:
Replace the batteries in your smoke alarm at least once a year. We recommend you do this when you change your clocks to Daylight Savings Time each fall.
Replace:
Replace your smoke alarm every ten (10) years. If you don't know how old your smoke alarm is, or if it is ten (10) years or older, replace it as soon as possible.