The Maitland Fire-Rescue Department also reminds you to replace the batteries and test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms twice a year.
Smoke alarms provide vital early warning to escape a structure fire. Alarms should be in every bedroom, outside other sleeping areas and on every level of the home. Alarms also should be placed on the ceiling or high on a wall. Keep alarms at least 10 feet away from kitchen stoves.
Interconnected smoke alarms are best – when one alarm sounds, they all go off together. Dual sensor smoke alarms use ionization and photoelectric sensors to detect fast flaming and slow, smoldering fires.
Carbon monoxide alarms are important for early detection of an invisible and odorless gas that can kill. Carbon monoxide typically is created by burning fuel in vehicles, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, portable generators and furnaces. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement and mounting height of these alarms.