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manual abstract
The installation of smoke alarms in kitchens, attics ( finished or unfinished), or garages is not normally recommended, as these locations occasionally experience conditions that can result in improper operation. California State Fire Marshall Early warning detection is best achieved by the installation of fire detection equipment in all rooms and areas of the household as follows: A smoke alarm installed in each separate sleeping area (in the vicinity, but outside bedrooms), and heat or smoke alarms in the living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, hallways, finished attics, furnace rooms, closets, utility and storage rooms, basements, and attached garages. 2 WHERE NOT TO INSTALL SMOKE ALARMS WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF FIRE For best performance, do not install the unit: • Where combustion particles are produced. Combustion particles form when something burns. Areas to avoid include poorly ventilated kitchens, garages, and furnace rooms. Keep units at least 20 feet (6 meters) from the sources of combustion particles (stove, furnace, water heater, space heater) if possible. Ventilate these areas as much as possible. • In air streams near kitchens. Air currents can draw cooking smoke into the sensing chamber of a smoke alarm near the kitchen. • In very damp, humid or steamy areas, or directly near bathrooms with showers. Keep units at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from showers, saunas, dishwashers, etc. • Where the temperatures are regularly below 40° F (4° C) or above 100° F (38° C) including unheated buildings, outdoor rooms, porches, or unfinished attics or basements. • In very dusty, dirty, or greasy areas. Do not install a smoke alarm directly over the stove or range. Clean a laundry room unit frequently to keep it free of dust or lint. • Near fresh air vents, ceiling fans, or in very drafty areas. Drafts can blow smoke away from the unit, preventing it from reaching the sensing chamber. • In insect infested areas. Insects can clog openings to the sensing chamber and cause unwanted alarms. • Less than 12 inches (305 mm) away from fluorescent lights. Electrical “ noise” can interfere with the sensor. • In “ dead air” spaces (see “ Avoiding Dead Air Spaces” below). FOR PEAKED CEILINGS FOR STANDARD FLAT CEILINGS (i.e. Cathedral ceilings, A-frames) AVOIDING DEAD AIR SPACES FOR SLOPED CEILINGS (i.e. great rooms, dormers, condominiums ) Install first smoke alarm in this target area 3 ft 0.9 m Do not install smoke alarm lower than 12" (305mm)from the wall/ceiling line Install first smoke alarm in this target area If required, install additional smoke alarms along the slope. 3 ft 0.9 m Best Location (center of ceiling) Acceptable Location Dead Air Spaces (4" or 102 mm) If required, install additional smoke alarms along the slope. “ Dead air” spaces may prevent smoke from reaching the smoke alarm. To avoid dead air spaces, follow the installation recommendations below. On ceilings, install smoke alarms as close to the center of the ceiling as possible. If this is not possible, install the smoke alarm at least 4 inches (102 mm) from the wall or corner. For wall mounting (if allowed by building codes), the top edge of smoke alarms should be placed between 4 inches (102 mm) and 12 inches (305 mm) from the wall/ceiling line, below typical “ dead air” spaces. On a peaked, gabled, or cathedral ceiling, install the first smoke alarm within 3 feet (0.9 meters) of the peak of the ceiling, measured horizontally. Additional smoke alarms may be required depending on the length, angle, etc. of the ceiling's slope. Refer to NFPA 72 for details on requirements for sloped or peaked ceilings. PROTECTING YOUR FAMILY FROM FIRE Putting up smoke alarms is one step in protecting your family from fires. You must also reduce the chance a fire will start in your home, and have a plan for escaping safely if one does. To have a good fire safety program, you must: Develop a family escape plan and practice it with everyone in your family, including small children. 1) Draw a floor plan of your home and identify at least two exits from each room and one way to get out of each bedroom without opening the door; 2) Decide on a meeting place a safe distance from home, and make sure everyone knows to wait there; 3) Know where to go to call the Fire Department from outside the home; 4) Make sure everyone— including all children— know what the alarm signal means and how to react to it. Teach them they must be prepared to leave the home by themselves if needed; 5) Hold fire drills every 6 months and practice how to escape safely. Show children how to check if doors are hot before opening them. Show them how to use an alternate exit if a door is hot and shouldn’t be opened. Teach them to stay close to the floor and crawl if necessary. Install at least one smoke alarm on every level of and in every sleeping area. Keep alarms clean, and test them weekly. Replace smoke alarms immediately if they are not working properly. Smoke alarms that do not work cann...