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Home smoke alarms: What you need to know
Daylight Saving Time
Change Your Batteries in your SMOKE ALARMS
 
 If you haven't changed your batteries in your smoke alarms during the last year, do
 so now. There have been a number of home fires occur where the smoke alarms had
 no batteries or had dead ones. If you need advice on how many smoke alarms you
 need, or where to place them, ask any firefighter.
 
 Most fatal home fires occur at night when people are asleep. Instead of waking
 you, smoke and poisonous gases from a fire quickly numb the senses and put you
 into an even deeper sleep. Seconds can make the difference between life and
 death. Are you and your loved ones protected? Smoke alarms that are properly
 installed, maintained and tested in the home can save lives.
 
 What does a smoke alarm do? The purpose of a residential smoke alarm is to
 sense the presence of smoke in the home, to sound an alarm and alert the occupants,
 giving them time to escape.
 
 What types are available? There are two main types: Ionization and Photoelectric.
 Ionization smoke alarms contain a small chamber that produces electrically charged
 air molecules called ions. When smoke enters the chamber, it causes a change in the
 flow of ions, triggering the alarm.
 Photoelectric smoke alarms contain a light source whose beam is deflected by
 smoke into a photo-cell, thereby causing an alarm to sound.
 Both types provide effective protection. Smoke alarms can either be wired into the
 household electrical system or be battery operated.
 
 Other Options Available Include: Models which have a reset button.
 Models incorporating an emergency light.
 Models for the hearing-impaired that flash a light in addition to sounding an alarm.
 
 How many do I need? A smoke alarm in each sleeping area and on each level of the
 home provides a reasonable degree of protection from the threat of fire.
 Smoke alarms are not recommended for kitchens, bathrooms or garages, where
 cooking fumes, steam or exhaust could set off false alarms.
 
 How do I install my smoke alarm? If you can handle a screw-driver and operate a
 drill, you can install a battery-operated smoke alarm. They are simply fastened with
 two small screws.
 Because smoke rises, mount alarms on the ceiling. For effective operation smoke
 alarms should be located away from corners. Don't install a smoke alarm too near a
 window or door. On a normal flat ceiling prerably install the smoke alarm near the
 centre, but in any case a minimum of 150 mm from the nearest wall.
 In rooms with high pitched ceilings, mount the alarm at or near the ceiling high
 point.
 
 Practice your home fire drill with your children, so everyone knows how to get out
 safely if a smoke alarm activates. There are pamphlets available to help you with
 this.
 
 Fire Safety Officers are based at Christchurch Headquarters station. There are currently 6 Fire Safety Officers plus a Regional Technical Advisor.
They cover the  Canterbury ( North Canterbury & Christchurch) areas, and are able to provide  advice on fire safety matters. They are available to present fire safety talks to groups.  Fire Safety Officers provide advice and assistance to building owners and managers to achieve
They also assist in determining the cause of a fire, when requested by fire officers.
 
 
CONTACT DETAILS
FIRE SAFETY DEPARTMENT
Phone: 03 371 3600
Fax:    03 371 3639
Location: 91 Chester Street, Christchurch  (behind the City Fire Station - Kilmore St)
Postal: P O Box 13 747, New Zealand