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.

(Please send your insurance questions to: Insurance Commissioner John

Oxendine, 716 West Tower, 2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Atlanta, GA

30334. Or call 404-656-2070 [toll free at 1-800-656-2298] for assistance

with a consumer question.

TDD Services Available at 404-656-4031.)

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