Not all fires are the same. Some fires smolder and smoke for hours before flaming up and some fires burn quick without much smoke.  It makes good sense to install an alarm with duel detection features.

The most popular type sold in the U.S. today is the Ionization alarm. This type monitors ‘ions,’ or electrically charged particles in the air. Air molecules in a sample chamber are ‘ionized’ by a radioactive source. This allows a small electrical current flow. Smoke particles entering the sensing chamber change the electrical balance of the air. When combustion (smoke) particles enter the alarm, they obstruct the flow of the current. An alarm is pre-programmed to sound when the current gets too low.Ionization smoke alarms respond first to fast flaming fires. A flaming fire devours combustibles extremely fast, spreads rapidly and generates considerable heat with little smoke. This alarm is best suited for rooms that contain highly combustible materials like cooking fat/grease, flammable liquids, newspaper, paint and cleaning solutions.

Photoelectronic alarms contain a light emitting diode (LED) which is adjusted to direct a narrow infrared light across the unit’s detection chamber. When smoke particles enter this chamber they interfere with the beam and scatter the light. A strategically placed photodiode monitors the amount of light scattered within the chamber. When a pre-set level of light strikes the photodiode, the alarm is activated.Photoelectronic smoke alarms respond first to slow smoldering fires. A smoldering fire generates large amounts of thick, black smoke with little heat.

Photoelectronic models are best suited for living rooms, bedrooms and kitchens because they often contain large pieces of furniture, such as sofas, chairs, mattresses, counter tops, etc. which burn slowly and create more smoldering smoke than flames.

Photoelectronic smoke alarms are also less prone to nuisance alarms in the kitchen area than ionization smoke alarms.

I suggest the use of a duel detector that uses both the ionization and the Photoelectronic features. Together they should provide a home with maximum protection and an ample warning in the event of a fire.

For more information on home inspections, home maintenance and how to tips visit www.garynsmith.net or call 601-454-5559.

Use Portable Generators Outdoors Only

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is issuing a warning to consumers confronted with severe winter weather. When there’s a power outage, exercise caution when using portable generators.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible killer. You can’t see or smell it. A generator’s exhaust contains poisonous CO which can kill you in a matter of minutes.

At least 65 people died in 2006 from generator-related CO poisoning. Many of the deaths occurred after winter storms knocked out power.

Follow these important generator safety tips:   

 
• Never use a portable generator inside a home, garage, shed or other partially enclosed space, even if doors and windows are open.  
• Use portable generators outside only, far away from the home. And keep the generator away from openings to the home, including doors, windows and vents.  
• Read the label on the generator and the owner’s manual, and follow the instructions.  
• Install CO alarms with battery backup in the home outside each sleeping area.  
• Get to fresh air immediately if you start to feel sick, weak or dizzy. CO poisoning from exposure to generator exhaust can quickly lead to incapacitation and death. 

CPSC recently mandated a new danger label on generators manufactured after May 14, 2007. The label states that, “Using a generator indoors CAN KILL YOU IN MINUTES.”

CPSC has additional rulemaking underway on generators. The Commission directed staff to investigate various strategies to reduce consumers’ exposure to CO and to enable and encourage them to use generators outdoors only. Those strategies include generator engines with substantially reduced CO emissions, interlocking or automatic shutoff devices, weatherization requirements, theft deterrence and noise reduction.

In addition to safe generator use, CPSC suggests consumers follow these safety tips after a storm:

Consumers can obtain this release and recall information at CPSC’s Web site at www.cpsc.gov.

NFPA - National Fire Protection Association and CPSC - Consumer Product SafeTy Commission recommend the following heating safety tips:

• Space heaters need space. Keep all things that can burn, such as paper, bedding or furniture, at least 3 feet away from heating equipment.
• Turn portable heaters off when you go to bed or leave the room.
• Plug power cords only into outlets with sufficient capacity and never into an extension cord.
• Inspect for cracked, frayed or broken plugs or loose connections. Replace before using.
• Have your chimney inspected each year and cleaned if necessary.
• Use a sturdy fireplace screen.
• Allow ashes to cool before disposing. Dispose of ashes in a metal container.
• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. For the best protection interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home — when one sounds, they all sound. Test smoke alarms at least once a month.
• Install and maintain a carbon monoxide alarm in a central location outside each sleeping area.
• Never use an oven to heat your home.
• For fuel assistance, contact the National Fuel Funds Network at 1-202-824-0660.

NFPA has introduced two new heating safety campaigns to help spread this lifesaving message this winter. Every fire department in the country recently received “Keeping Your Community Safe and Warm”, a toolkit of support materials to help them conduct successful heating-safety campaigns in their communities and NFPA worked with Scholastic to reach nearly 5 million families through schools around the country with take home materials and activities aimed at reducing the number of home heating fires.

For more information on either of these campaigns contact: public_affairs@nfpa.org