If you installed your smoke detector 10 years ago, it’s time for a change. “Like many other products around the home, smoke detectors are not designed to last forever,” says Julie Reynolds, a spokesperson for the National Fire Protection Association. “They may lose their efficiency and operability after 10 years.”
Reynolds says that houses should have a smoke detector on every level and one outside every sleeping area. She points out that hearing-impaired people need specially designed smoke detectors that will wake them with strobe lights or vibrations in case of fire.
While some sort of fire extinguisher can be useful to put out small fires, Reynolds points out that there are different kinds of extinguishers. “For example,” she says, “you wouldn’t want to use a water-based extinguisher on an electrical fire.” She adds, “When a fire breaks out is not the time to learn how to use an extinguisher, so we urge people to learn ahead of time.”
Reynolds also recommends that addresses be clearly marked so that emergency vehicles can find the scene of the fire. To make sure that everyone has safely escaped the fire, Reynolds suggests that a pre-determined meeting place be designated out in front on the house. Their presence will also alert firefighters.
While the National Fire Protection Association does not recommend fire safety products, manufacturers are well aware of the various problems and pitfalls that need to be overcome to protect a home and its inhabitants from the dangers of fire. Creative problem-solving and new technology have resulted in development of products that do the job.
The prices listed for products featured are suggested retail prices. You can contact the listed manufacturers for help in finding a retailer in your area who carries a specific item.
10-year smoke detector
First Alert has found a way to eliminate the problem of smoke detectors that don’t operate because the batteries have been removed or no longer work. They have created the 10-Year Lithium Power Smoke Detector, which will operate for a decade without a battery change. In addition, this First Alert unit is designed so that the battery cannot be removed, but it features a silencer button in case normal cooking smoke sets it off unnecessarily. At the end of the detector’s 10-year life span, a chirping sound will warn that it’s time to replace the unit. In addition, First Alert has also introduced a smoke detector for the hearing-impaired that warns them of danger with a strobe light and an 85-decibel alarm. Price: $30 for the 10-Year Lithium Power Smoke Detector, $138 for the smoke detector for the hearing-impaired. First Alert, 3901 Liberty Street Road, Aurora, Ill. 60504-2495. Phone: 800-323-9005, 800-790-5777 (TDD).
Interconnected protection
Frynetics offers the Lifesaver series of detection devices that can be interconnected so that when a unit goes off in one part of the house, it will trigger others to go into action, too. In addition to four smoke alarms featuring safety lights and hush buttons and several carbon monoxide detectors, two new products were recently introduced. The Heat Detector, which goes off when the temperature reaches a certain heat rather than when smoke is present, is designed for garages and kitchens where exhaust fumes or cooking smoke may set off smoke detectors unnecessarily. A strobe light to alert the hearing-impaired has also been been added to the Lifesaver line. The strobe devices, which are less expensive than smoke detectors equipped with strobe lights, can be placed in several different rooms. They are then connected to a smoke detector in a hallway that will trigger them in case of fire. Price: $29.99 for the Heat Detector, $79.99 for the strobe. Frynetics, Inc., 1055 Stevenson Ct., Suite 102 W, Roselle, Ill. 60172. Phone: 708-893-4592.
Customized
Jameson has developed a variety of smoke alarms designed for different areas of the house, including kitchens, utility rooms and fireplace areas. The alarms reduce the chance of false alrams. Another type of alarm is designed for spaces with high ceilings and also has an automatic self-testing device. In addition, the smoke alarm recommended for children’s rooms and hallways features a built-in light that flashes bright yellow to illuminate the way to safety. Prices: $7.99 to $24.99, depending on the model.Jameson Home Products, 2820 Thatcher Road, Downers Grove, Ill. 60515-4040. Phone: 800-972-2212.
Emergency signal
Every second counts when firefighters are on the way, so Angelo Brothers Co. has developed an emergency signaling device to help emergency crews find the right address without searching. The Smart Alert bulb, which can be installed on a porch or in a lamp visible from the street, operates like an ordinary light bulb, but when it’s switched on and off twice in a row it begins to flash, thus making the place of the emergency easier to find. Price: $6 for the Smart Alert bulb, $10 for the Smart Alert device. Angelo Brothers Co., 12401 McNulty Road, Philadelphia, Pa. 19154-1099. Phone: 800-939-ABCO.
Nighthawk Systems offers a number of products to prevent fires from starting and to extinguish them quickly. Nighthawk Flame Retardants are non-toxic, non-staining sprays that create an invisible barrier that prevents material from catching fire. The Nighthawk Firefighter Towel is specially treated to smother small fires. Price: $14.99 for the Flame Retardant, $14.99 for the Firefighter Towel, $34.99 for the First Line Defense Home Safety Kit, which includes the synthetic and natural flame retardants and the towel. Nighthawk Systems, Inc., 4835 Centennial Blvd., Colorado Springs, Colo. 80919. Phone: 800-880-6788.
The Fire Exterminator from Stout Corp. comes in an aerosol can. It can be used on flammable liquids such as grease, motor oil and gasoline as well as wood, rubber, cloth, paper and some plastics. The Exterminator contains no CFCs, is non-toxic and biodegradable and leaves no mess to clean up. Price: $10.99 for Fire Exterminator and Christmas Tree Guard, $9.99 for Fire Guard. Stout Corp. 42 E. Mulberry St., Lebanon, Ohio 45036. Phone: 800-233-1506.
