Houston Fire Museum

2403 Milam Street

Houston, Texas 77006

Phone: (713) 524-2526

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Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors (as pictured at right) are one of those amazing inventions that are saving thousands of lives each year. They are important for the safety of you, the rest of your family and your home. Every home should have at least one smoke detector. They warn you of a fire. This is especially important at night when everyone is asleep.

Construction

All smoke alarms consist of two basic parts: 1) a sensor to sense the smoke; and 2) a very loud electronic horn to wake people up. Some smoke detectors run off 120-volt house current, but most detectors run off of 9-volt batteries.

The two most common types of smoke detectors used today are: 1) the photoelectric detector and 2) the ionization detector. Both types sound an alarm when smoke enters the smoke detectors.

Installation

Smoke alarms should be installed in every room and the attic in the home. If you live in a two story home, put smoke alarms on both levels of the home. Your father should install the smoke alarms; you can help him. Smoke alarms should be mounted on the ceilings or the upper end of a wall.

If you are limited by the number of smoke alarms:

put a smoke alarm outside of the bedrooms if you have only one smoke alarm.
put one in the kitchen and outside the bedrooms if you have two smoke alarms.

Maintenance

Smoke alarms must be maintained properly, so they will warn you in case of fire. Proper maintenance requires:

testing every month. The alarm can usually be tested by pushing a button on the face of the smoke alarm.
if your smoke alarm begins to chirp like a bird every minute or so, the batteries are weak and need to be replaced immediately.
batteries should be replaced yearly. It is recommended to replace the batteries during Fire Prevention Week. Fire Prevention Week occurs in the week that October 9 falls. October 9 marks the anniversary of the "Great Chicago Fire of 1871."

Smoke Alarms are a wise investment. They Save Lives.

The Houston Fire Museum, Inc. is a 501-C- 3 non-profit organization educating the community on fire and life safety and the history of the fire service. The Museum is supported by membership, gift shop sales and the generous contributions of foundations and corporations.