Question: Sometimes when I'm cooking, a detector near my kitchen

goes off.How can I prevent that?

Answer : Whether you have an ionization or a photoelectric type detector,

steam or high humidity can lead to condensation on the circuit board

and sensor, causing the alarm to sound.Some detectors have a button

that will shut them off for a few minutes, usually long enough for the

steam and smoke generated by cooking to dissipate. Or you could relocate

your present detector away from the kitchen.

Question: I read recently that some people died in a house fire even

though they had working smoke detectors.How is that possible?

Answer: In some cases people who have escaped a burning house after

the alarm sounds will attempt to run back inside and retrieve belongings.Often

those who re-enter a burning building fall victim to toxic smoke and

hot gasses before they get very far.That's why I recommend that

once you are clear of a burning building, don't go back inside for

any reason.

Question: How often should I change the batteries in my smoke detector?

Answer: Twice a year, or sooner if you hear an intermittent beep that

signals the need for a new battery.I recommend changing the battery

in the spring and fall, when you change your clocks for Daylight Saving

Time.

Question : How long do smoke detectors last?

Answer: It's a good idea to replace them every ten years.

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