Smoke Alarms (detecting and alarming devices)
Smoke alarms reduce your chance of dying in a home fire by 50%. They have saved thousands of lives since first introduced to family homes in the 1970s. There are two types of smoke detectors: ionization and photoelectric. HOWEVER, we have discovered in the past year that ionization smoke alarms (the most common type in homes across America) may not respond quickly enough in a slow-burning, smoldering type of fire. Spokane Fire Department recommends at least one PHOTOELECTRIC alarm on every level of the home. If current ionization detectors are less than 7 years old, add a photoelectric alarm. If detectors are more than 7 years old, replace them with a photoelectric or a dual-sensor (having both ionization and photoelectric technology). Photoelectric alarms cost about $15 while dual-sensor cost about $28. Minimal protection requires a smoke detector on every level of the home and outside every sleeping area. It is best to also install detectors in bedrooms. For more information, please view the February 2008 edition of “Second Alarm Fires” on this website. You can also call Spokane Fire Department Public Education at 625-7058.
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Residential Sprinkler Systems
Residential sprinkler systems are designed for life safety and are your best line of defense in a fire. A residential sprinkler system and smoke alarmss together cut your risk of dying in a fire by 82 percent. Sprinkler heads act quickly while the fire is still small. When a sprinkler reaches 165 degrees, a single head activates. Just one sprinkler head will control or extinguish the fire 90 percent of the time. Sprinklers are inexpensive to install in new and existing buildings and cost approximately $1.50 per square foot. They reduce the damage caused by the fire by 90 percent and minimize water damage during fire suppression.
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Home Escape Plan
Making and practicing a home escape plan is an important responsibility. The plan should include two ways out of each room, knowing to crawl low under smoke, a designed meeting place and a call from a neighbor's home to 911. Early notification to 911 is critical. A fire can double in size every minute. Early warning, escape and calling 911 are absolutely essential.
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For more information about home fire protection devices, contact your local fire department, visit the State Fire Marshal's web site at www.wa.gov/wsp or call the Office of the Fire Marshal at (360)705-5774.