more info on Home Smoke Alarms

How Does A Smoke Alarm Work ?
How Are Smoke Alarms Powered ?
Where Can I Purchase A Smoke Alarm ?
How Much Does A Smoke Alarm Cost To Buy ?
How Should Smoke Alarms Be Mounted ?
How Many Smoke Alarms Do I Need ?
What Rooms Should The Smoke Alarms Go In ?
What Maintenance Is Needed For Smoke Alarms ?
What Should I Do If The Smoke Alarm Sounds ?


How Does A Smoke Alarm Work ?

A smoke alarm monitors the air for smoke, and the invisible particles produced by combustion. It sounds an alarm when it detects them.

How Are Smoke Alarms Powered ?

Usually smoke alarms are fitted with a 9 volt battery. This is
provided with the smoke alarm when you purchase it.

Where Can I Purchase A Smoke Alarm ?

Smoke alarms can be purchased at hardware stores, supermarkets and from electrical appliance retailers. Your local fire station can also obtain smoke alarms for you and will fit them into your house for no cost.

How Much Does A Smoke Alarm Cost To Buy ?

Generally, a smoke alarm will retail for NZ$15.00 to NZ$45.00. As
long as the alarm has met the New Zealand or Australian standards, they
will be more than suitable for installation in residential or commercial properties. Many smoke alarms also come with a 5 year warranty.

How Should Smoke Alarms Be Mounted ?

Smoke rises, filling the highest area of a house first. Therefore smoke alarms work best when mounted on the ceiling or high on the wall.

How Many Smoke Alarms Do I Need ?

At least one - but two will offer more protection !!!

What Rooms Should The Smoke Alarms Go In ?

A single alarm should be placed in the hallway by the sleeping areas. Additional alarms should be placed in the living areas and in the bedrooms.
Multi-storey homes should have at least one alarm on each level.
Do not put smoke alarms IN the kitchen, bathroom or garage unless the alarm is specifically designed for such use. The smoke, steam and fumes which occur in these rooms will set the darn things off all the time !!!!

What Maintenance Is Needed For Smoke Alarms ?

What Should I Do If The Smoke Alarm Sounds ?

The value of an alarm is early warning of a fire. Those few minutes are vital to get out of the house safely. By having an exit drill in the home, planned before an emergency, you and your family will know what to do if a fire situation occurs. If you hear an alarm sounding, evacuate immediately whilst ensuring that all other occupants are alerted to the emergency. Meet at a safe, central spot outside the house (like the letterbox), then ensure that the fire service is called. DO NOT re-enter the building !

If you have an further questions on smoke alarms, you can e-mail
us here at Woodend Fire Station, woodend@fire.org.nz

or phone the fire station on 312 7794 and leave a message.