DON’T GO UP IN SMOKE

Smoke detectors save lives...

More than 3,000 people die each year across the country because of fire in their homes, another 14,000 are injured. Many of these deaths and injuries are caused by smoke, not flames. They might have been prevented if the victims had been warned in time. It is not true that fires only happen to other people. There is usually not enough time to get out. Dont relay on the smell of smoke to wake you. Rely on the smoke detector!

What your smoke detector should do for you...

The smoke detector must be able to sense any visible or invisible burning, particles such as smoke or smoldering material. It must make a sound that can be clearly heard when activated.

Location...

Check you apartment for smoke detectors. At least one smoke detector should be installed to protect each sleeping area. A sleeping area is where the bedrooms or sleeping rooms are located. The detector could be placed in a hallway or lobby, but should not be inside a bedroom if there is only one detector in the apartment. If there is a stairway which leads to the sleeping area, a detector should be installed at the top of the stairway so that any rising smoke or smoldering material is sensed by the smoke detector before it reaches the sleeping rooms.

Maintenance...

Be sure your smoke detector works! It wont protect you if it is there but not working. Before you move in, have your landlord prove to you that all required smoke detectors are installed and in proper working condition. After you have moved in, be sure the detector is maintained properly.