 The winners of the contest have had their posters published in
Lincoln Daily News and have gotten a ride to school in the city's
ladder truck. With October being a month when fire safety and
prevention are emphasized, it is a prime time to remind everyone
that smoke detectors play a huge role in getting families out of a
burning home safely.
___
The following FAQ was provided by Chief Mark Miller of the
Lincoln Fire Department:
Topic: Smoke detectors
Question: What are the requirements for smoke detectors?
Answer: Smoke detectors are required in every dwelling within
the state of Illinois. The Lincoln Fire Department is required to
enforce state law regarding the placement of smoke detectors in
dwellings with rooms for sleeping. The department does this through
code enforcement and fire prevention. In working with the city of
Lincoln's building and safety office, all new construction is
required to install electric (AC) smoke detectors that work in-line
with each other.
Here are some guidelines for smoke detector compliance:
-
Place smoke
detectors within 15 feet of rooms for sleeping.
-
Install smoke
detectors at least 6 inches from the ceiling and any
intersecting walls.
-
Have at least one
smoke detector installed on every story, including the basement.
-
If the smoke
detectors are battery-powered, change the batteries twice a
year.
-
Both ionization
and photoelectric smoke detectors are approved for use.
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-
Replace
battery-powered smoke detectors every five years, and replace
AC-powered detectors as recommended by the manufacturer.
-
Practice fire
safety drills in the home and test smoke detectors monthly.
The Lincoln Fire Department can help with home safety inspections
and test your smoke detectors upon request.
[By NILA SMITH, with FAQ from
Lincoln Fire Department]
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