Smoke detectors save lives Published April 15, 2010 By Tech. Sgt. Dan Blankenship 3rd Civil Engineer Squadron ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- As active duty service members we have all dedicated our lives to the protection of others. Extending that protection to our family members begins with ensuring we have working smoke detectors in our homes. Working smoke detectors is the number one line of defense you can provide your family in the event of a fire. In articles you read about families who have lost loved ones in a fire, many times it's because the smoke detectors in the home weren't working due to poor maintenance practices or the detector was disabled by the occupant. On the other hand, when you read articles about families who have survived a house fire they all have a very common thread, early notification because of working smoke detectors. Whether you live on base or off base, always check the smoke detectors to ensure they are working properly when you move in to a new residence. On each smoke detector there's a push-to-test button. When you press this button it will temporarily sound the alarm making it clear that the detector is functioning properly. It's important to remember that the only approved testing method is to push the push-to-test button. Proper maintenance of smoke detectors is an investment that yields numerous benefits. Once you have moved into a new residence, be sure to install new batteries in your smoke detectors as soon as possible. There is no way for you to know when the previous battery was installed. When selecting batteries always be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendation. It's a good idea to install new batteries every six months. Another crucial step to ensuring that your smoke detector will work as designed is to make sure that it is free of dust build up at least once a year. There are two approved methods for properly cleaning your smoke detector. The first method is to use your vacuum cleaner hose to clean the dust out. The other way is to use a can of compressed air to blow the dust out. This is the same product we use to remove dust from our keyboards and computers. Never use chemicals to clean your detectors. The use of chemicals can cause the detector to temporarily malfunction or even permanently disable it. If you are installing battery operated smoke detectors make sure you read the instructions first. There are specific directions for the optimum mounting location for all detectors. Mounting a detector in a location that is not recommended can greatly reduce the effectiveness of the device. If you are installing or replacing hard wired smoke detectors be sure to have a qualified electrician perform the work. Whether you are installing for first time or replacing them, make sure that each level of the house is protected and that they are installed in the bedrooms and the area leading to the bedrooms. For further guidance regarding smoke detectors or any fire prevention issue please call the fire prevention office at 552-2620.