SMOKE ALARMS: Where there's smoke, there's fire!
What types of smoke alarms are available?
• Ionization: Quicker at sensing flaming, fastmoving fires
• Photoelectric: Quicker at sensing smoldering fires
• Combination or dual sensor: These have ionization and photoelectric sensors in one unit to
sense flaming and smoldering fires
• Smoke/carbon monoxide: Activated by smoke or carbon monoxide
• Visual (strobe light) and tactile (shaker): For the deaf and those hard of hearing
How do I keep my smoke alarm working?
• Test smoke alarms monthly
• Vacuum smoke alarms regularly to remove dust and cobwebs
• Never disconnect or remove smoke alarm batteries for other uses
• Ionization powered with 10 year batteries – replace the entire unit every 8-10 years
• Photoelectric and combination – replace the batteries at least once per year, and replace the
entire unit every 8-10 years
• Hard-wired with battery backup – replace batteries at least once per year, and replace
the entire unit every 8-10 years
What if I have a false alarm?
• Do not disable smoke alarms activated by cooking or other non-fire causes
• Use the smoke alarm’s hush feature if available
• Open windows and doors to clear smoke from your home
For more information on smoke alarms and Oregon’s smoke alarm law, visit:
www.oregon.gov/osp/sfm/commed_sa_program.shtml