Last week on the news, I saw a story about a mother who's three girls died in a house fire last fall with working smoke detectors. This prompted an investigation into which smoke detector was actually needed and why. Did you know there were different types? Ionization vs photoelectric.......I sure didn't.
Most house fires fall into the "smoldering" category. The type that occurs when, for instance a cigarette is dropped on a furniture cushion or something is placed on a baseboard heater. These fires take a long time to fully ignite, but smolder for a long time and that smoldering can be deadly!
This week I received from my local fire department, Woodinvile Fire & Life Safety, an informational brochure titled "A Tale of Two Smoke Detectors" with great tips for keeping your family safe and the difference between the two types of smoke detectors and why you should have BOTH types in your home.
An Ionization alarm is most responsive to flaming fires, but research shows most house fires do not start out as flaming fires. This smoke detector does pick up the presence of smoke, but not nearly as quickly.
A Photoelectric alarm is most responsive to a smoldering fire. This detector uses light-sensing technology to identify the presence of smoke.
The third type is the combination alarm which is both ionization and photoelectric all in one. All three look very similar, so be sure to read the packaging or ask for assistance to determine which one you are purchasing. (For a more thorough explanation of the three types visit Cableorganizer.com).
* Smoke detectors should be in ALL bedrooms and sleeping areas and on all levels of your home.
* Test alarms monthly by pushing the test button.
*Replace batteries in all smoke detectors twice a year,. A good time to remember to do this is when you set your clocks back/forward.
*Smoke detectors should be replaced EVERY 10 years from the date of manufacture which is on the detector.
If you have additional safety questions or need help with a home escape fire plan contact your local fire department.
Realtor
Keller Williams Realty Kirkland
425-890-0878
sandy@sandynoll.com
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Your Residential Real Estate Specialist
A fire is one of my biggest fears ever.
A carbon monoxide detector saved my life about 10 years ago. I'm religious fanantical about checking the batteries!
Sandy
Great info. I never knew there was a difference. Thanks for sharing that wiyh us
Julie fire has always scared me too and I thought I was safe with the smoke detectors I have, but when I heard the story of the mother losing her three kids, I was just sick and decided this was information that needed to get out.....help spread the word to all you know too!
Thanks Gary, felt I needed to do something to get the word out.