Smoke Detectors

Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors , when properly installed, serve as the single most important factor of whether a family will escape a residential fire or not. 

Trenton Fire Department recommends that a working smoke detector be installed on every level of your home and at a minimum , one inside every sleeping area.

Maintaining smoke detectors

Smoke detectors should never be disabled. Batteries should be replaced regularly. Remember the simple rule of changing your smoke detector batteries , when you change your clocks.

Smoke detectors should be replaced no later than 10 years from the date of manufacture. 

Trenton Fire Department recommends every family to familiarize themselves with the dangers of smoke and fire. Families should create an escape plan from their home and practice it regularly. Every family member should know two ways out of the house. Children must be taught what to do if the smoke detector sounds, or they see smoke or a fire. 

Types of detectors

There are two main types of smoke detectors available. Ionization and photoelectric. Each detector is designed to activate depending on the type of fire. Ionization detectors are designed to detect hot, flaming fires. Photoelectric detectors are designed to detect smoldering, smoky fires. 

A third type of detector combines the technology of both Ionization and Photoelectric detectors. These are known as dual sensor smoke detectors. 

Please contact Trenton Fire Department if you have questions on the type or location of smoke detectors in your home. Please call (513)988-0004 and speak to on of our firefighters to obtain more information on fire safety.