Detectors & Alarms

Smoke Detectors/Alarms

• Smoke detectors become ineffective after 10 years. If your smoke detectors are 10 years old or older, it is time to have them replaced.
• Although nearly 92% of American homes have smoke alarms, nearly a 1/3 don't work because of worn or missing batteries. The Faribault Fire Department recommends that you replace batteries in battery operated smoke alarms twice a year. A good way to remember this is during daylight savings time. When you change your clock, remember to change the batteries in your smoke detector.
• Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire nearly in half. Many people with hearing difficulties are left unprotected in their homes because they are unable to hear the smoke alarm. Special smoke alarms are available that use a visual strobe to alert a person with difficulty hearing. If you can not hear your smoke alarm, contact the Faribault Fire Department at 507-334-8773 for more information on strobe smoke alarms.
• Smoke alarms are a family's best defense against fire. Many families become frustrated from false alarms. Many of these false alarms can be eliminated by proper placement. Proper placement is on the ceiling, however, if a wall must be used, install the detector(s) at a minimum distance of 4" and a maximum distance of 12" from the ceiling. Keep smoke detectors away from cooking vapors to prevent false or nuisance alarms.
• When you clean your home remember that your smoke detector gathers dust and cobwebs. These can make the smoke detector falsely activate or not activate at all. While vacuuming your home, take the time to use your extension to vacuum around the opening of your smoke detector.

Carbon Monoxide Detector
A U.L. approved CO (Carbon Monoxide) detector should be placed in every home. Carbon Monoxide is a silent killer because it is colorless and odorless. Without a working CO alarm you probably will not notice CO poisoning. CO poisoning effects your judgment and coordination. The symptoms are very much like that of the common flu. This is why it is important to place a CO detector in you home. Possible sources of Carbon Monoxide:

• Unventilated kerosene and gas space heaters
• Leaking chimneys and furnaces
• Back-drafting from furnaces
• Malfunctioning gas water heaters
• Wood stoves and fireplaces
• Gas stoves
• Automobile exhaust from cars in attached garages