Safehouse Quiet Reset Smoke Alarm  
(490-0458)                 Limitations                Faxback Doc. # 34310

LIMITATIONS OF SMOKE ALARMS

Quality smoke alarms are designed to provide the earliest possible warning
of fire and smoke at reasonable cost. Early warning can mean the difference
between a safe escape and no escape at all.  When smoke alarms can provide
valuable protection for you and your families you must recognize that smoke
alarms have limitations.

Smoke alarms cannot operate without power.  Battery operated alarms cannot
operate without batteries that are of the correct type and have enough
power.  Dead batteries cannot operate an alarm.  Improperly installed
batteries cannot operate an alarm.  Alarms powered by the Alarms lines
cannot operate if the AC fails. Such failures can occur due to a electrical
fire, an open fuse, a failed circuit breaker, or a failure of back-up power
supply if one exists.

If you are concerned about the reliability of an alarm for any of the above
reasons, install two alarms, one that functions from the Alarm power lines
and another that operates solely from an installed battery.

Smoke alarms cannot sound an alarm until smoke reaches the sensitivity
chambers. Anything that prevents the smoke from reaching the detector might
delay or prevent an alarm.  A smoke alarm cannot sense a fire in the walls,
chimney, or roof unless a significant amount of smoke reaches the smoke
alarm where it is installed.

Do not rely on a smoke alarm, installed in the basement, to react to a fire
that starts on the first or second floor of a dwelling.  A first floor
detector might not react to a fire that starts on the second floor.  A
closed door can prevent the free flow of smoke from the fire's source to
the detector even when the detector is installed on the same floor.  For
these reasons, install a smoke alarm in every room of your residence or at
least on every level of your home.

Most installations use one of two types of alarms: the ionization type and
the photoelectric type.  Both types are suitable for general residential
use.  However, an ionization detector generally responds faster to fast
flaming fires, while a photoelectric smoke alarm might be more sensitive in
detection of slow, smoldering fires.  Because home fires develop in diff-
erent ways and are often unpredictable in their growth, it is impossible to
predict the type of detector which gives you the earliest warning. For best
home protection, install at least one of each type in your home.

Smoke alarms have other limitations that might be obvious.  For example,
smoke alarms might not provide protection for a person smoking in bed, or
children playing with matches, or violent explosions generally caused by
ignited gas.  Installation of smoke alarms is only part of a complete fire
safety program.  Start your program today!

And, note that your smoke alarm is not a substitute for property,
disability, life, or any other kind of insurance.  Appropriate insurance
coverage is your responsibility.  Consult an insurance firm or agent,
accordingly.


(LB/EB 08/01/96)