SMOKE DETECTORS \ Tips

State Fire Marshal Michael Bell offers this advice on proper use of smoke detectors:

Install a smoke detector on each level of your home and inside each bedroom.

Consider using dual sensor smoke detectors that combine ionization and photoelectric technology in one unit.

Check your smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries at least twice a year.

Familiarize children with the sound of your smoke detectors.

Do not remove batteries to put in other appliances such as personal stereos or games.

If cooking smoke sets off the alarm, do not disable it. Wave a towel, open a window or turn on the range fan to clear the smoke.

Smoke detectors wear out over time. Replace your smoke detectors every 10 years.

Keep smoke detectors clean. Dust and debris can interfere with their operation. Vacuum over and around your smoke detector regularly.

Hard-wired smoke detectors with battery backups should be considered. When one smoke detector goes off, the others alert you to fire, too. The batteries in these types of detectors also should be changed twice a year.