Smoke Detectors
How many smoke detectors do I need in my home? The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends homes should have smoke alarms installed inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement.
Where should I mount my smoke detectors on the wall or on the ceiling? Smoke rises, so mounting smoke detectors high — usually on ceilings, at least 4″ from the wall– is the best option. If you choose to mount a smoke alarm on a wall, placing it less than 12 inches from the ceiling would be best. Find a spot away from air ducts, windows or anywhere with a draft that could keep smoke from reaching the detector.
What type of smoke alarm should I install? There has been a lot of discussion about the response of smoke detectors and which type is best, however, the most important thing is to have smoke detectors in your home. There are two types of detectors available – ionization and photoelectric. An ionization smoke detector is generally more responsive to flaming fires, and a photoelectric smoke detector is generally more responsive to smoldering fires. For the best protection, both types of alarms or combination ionization-photoelectric alarms, also known as dual sensor smoke alarms, are recommended.
How often should I change the batteries in my smoke alarm? Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away. Smoke alarms with any other type of battery need a new battery at least once a year. If you think that your alarm’s old battery has some “life” left, use it in a product that doesn’t have to do with safety. If that alarm chirps, warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away. When replacing a battery, follow manufacturer’s list of batteries on the back of the alarm or manufacturer’s instructions. Manufacturer’s instructions are specific to the batteries (brand and model) that must be used. The smoke alarm may not work properly if a different kind of battery is used.
Do I need to clean my smoke detectors? Smoke detectors should be cleaned once or twice per year. You can do this with the brush attachment to your vacuum cleaner. Keep in mind that the detector may sound while being cleaned.
When do I need to replace my smoke detector? The NFPA recommends replacing smoke detectors 10 years from their date of manufacture (found on the back of the smoke detector). Even if a smoke detector hasn’t reached the 10-year mark, replace it if it chirps even after you’ve replaced the battery or if the alarm doesn’t sound when you perform the recommended monthly test. If you are getting false alarms from your detector it may need to be replaced. When having detector problems remember to check the battery.
Can I replace my hard wired smoke alarms with battery operated models? No. Hard wired smoke detectors connected to your homes wiring must be replaced with new hard wired models. Consult an electrician or local alarm installer about replacements.
Carbon Monoxide
What is Carbon Monoxide (CO)? Often called the invisible killer, carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas created when fuels (such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and methane) burn incompletely. In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel are potential sources of carbon monoxide. Vehicles or generators running in an attached garage can also produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.
What are signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and build up? The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. CO symptoms are often described as “flu-like.” If you breathe in a lot of CO it can make you pass out or kill you. People who are sleeping or drunk can die from CO poisoning before they have symptoms. If more than one person in the home suddenly feels ill for no apparent reason, or if a CO alarm goes off, get everyone outside immediately and call 911 from a pre-arranged meeting place.
Am I required to have a CO detector? All residential occupancies located in a building with a fuel burning appliance and/or an attached garage, constructed after July 1, 2013 in the City of Lawrence, are required to have at least one single station carbon monoxide alarm. It is recommended that all homes with a fuel burning appliance and/or attached garage have at least one single station carbon monoxide alarm. Install a CO alarm outside every sleeping area, on every level of your home, and at least 15 feet away from every fuel-burning appliance.
How often should I change batteries in my carbon monoxide detector? Change the batteries in your CO detector when you change batteries in your smoke detectors. This should be done at least twice a year. A good time to change batteries is with the time change in the Spring and Fall.
Wood Burning Fireplaces / Wood Stoves
Should I clean the chimney in my wood burning fireplace or wood stove? Yes. Professional chimney sweeps advise that chimneys be cleaned when the creosote has built up to 1/8” to ¼”. This will help prevent chimney fires.
Can I burn paper or cardboard in my fireplace? Cardboard in all forms (including pizza, cereal, and shipping boxes) should never be burned in the fireplace. These are often treated with wax, plastic, ink, or other materials which can release toxic fumes when burned.
Burning paper is also an issue. Paper creates lots of lightweight embers capable of fluttering up the chimney and then outside, possibly landing on your roof. It also creates taller flames than wood logs. In a fireplace, these flames can easily get tall enough to reach any creosote present on the chimney walls, potentially starting a chimney fire. Additionally, paper burns too quickly to generate any noticeable warmth.
When I clean the ash from my fireplace is it necessary to put them in a metal container? Yes! The fire department responds to several fires each year because a homeowner has cleaned their fireplace or wood stove and placed the ashes in a paper bag or plastic container and then in the garage, on a deck, or against the house. Ashes can stay hot enough to start a fire for up to seven days. The safest way to dispose of fireplace ashes is to place cooled ashes in a metal container with a tightly fitting lid to reduce the possibility of oxygen reaching a live ember or smoldering ashes.
If you have questions you cannot find in this section please call the Fire Medical Administration Office at (785) 830-7000 Monday – Friday between 8:00am and 5:00pm. We will do our best to answers your questions and include them on our FAQs page.