Smoke Alarm and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Installation 2014 1
Protocol Before Installing the Alarm Make sure the resident signs the contract located in the packet. Senior citizens are considered to be those 65 and older. Contracts are available in Spanish as needed. DO NOT just leave the smoke or CO detector with the resident without installing it. 2014 2
Using the Voltage Detector Turn the voltage detector on (the button at the bottom hold until it beeps) FOR BOTH SMOKE AND CO DETECTORS: place tip of voltage detector on wall where you are about to install the alarm. Visually make sure you are not installing near any light switches or outlets where wires may be located behind the wall. If the detector beeps, there are wires behind the wall and you should not install the alarm(s) there. 2014 3
Where to Install Smoke Alarms Smoke alarms may be installed on each level of the home (basement, 1 st floor, 2 nd floor, and in attic). Ceiling mount smoke alarms in the middle of the ceiling, if possible. Wall mount smoke alarms 3 feet from any corner and 4-6 inches from the ceiling. Keep alarms away from vents, fans, and bathrooms (the steam can set it off). Do not install near heating or cooling ducts. 2014 4
Where to Install Smoke Alarms Do not install in the kitchen as it becomes a nuisance alarm people will want to take out the batteries if it goes off every time they cook. They should be placed outside of a bedroom where an adult or parent sleeps because they would be the ones responsible for getting everyone out of the house. The best place for a smoke alarm in the basement is on the stairway. The best place for an alarm in the attic is behind the stairway usually there is a space if you go halfway up the stairs and turn around. 2014 5
How to Install a Smoke Alarm Be sure alarm has batteries, install batteries in smoke alarm (they use 10-year 9-volt Lithium). Drill the dry wall screw into the base through holes given on base. Make sure that the backing of the smoke alarm is secure to the wall. Attach the smoke alarm and test it. Leave box with the resident it is now theirs. 2014 6
When Should They Be Replaced? Smoke alarms must be replaced after 10 years. Something to keep in mind although it is a 10 year battery, the fail rate after 5 years is 40%. Non-battery, wired smoke alarms need to be replaced every 20 years. Even though they are hooked up to the house s electricity, the materials within the alarm that detect smoke do decay over time. 2014 7
Where to Install CO Alarms Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed in the basement, 15 feet away from the dryer, water heater, furnace or any other heat source. It should not be placed any higher than 5 or 6 feet off of the ground. If possible, place the detector lower this may not be possible if there is a child or pet in the household. Don t forget carbon monoxide is a heavy gas which sinks to the ground. Therefore, an alarm on the ceiling would not warn residents of CO dangers. The battery needs to be changed once a year. 2014 8
How to Install a CO Alarm Be sure that the carbon monoxide detector has batteries, install batteries in carbon monoxide detector. Using the template given in the carbon monoxide instructions (in box), drill dry wall screws into wall and hang carbon monoxide detector. Test CO detector. Leave the box with the resident it is now theirs. 2014 9
Maintenance for Alarms All alarms should be tested once a month. If the resident hears a chirping sound the battery is no longer any good. This should not occur, but if it does they need to contact the manufacturer for a replacement. If an alarm goes off falsely, like when the resident is cooking or showering, just fan away the smoke or steam. Never take the batteries out of the alarms for any reason. Also, make sure to talk to residents about having a fire escape plan for their home and practicing it. 2014 10