Kidde TRUSENSE SMOKE 3050-VDS10 User manual

1
TRUSENSE SMOKE
User Guide
Multi-Criteria Optical Sensor Smoke Alarm
with Voice – Battery Operated
Model 3050-VDS10
10YEAR SEALED
LITHIUM BATTERY
VOICE ALARM
SMOKE ALARM
P/N: 0328-7201-01 Rev B
Helps Reduce Cooking
Nuisance Alarms

2
Thank You for Purchasing this Kidde Smoke Alarm
This model is powered by a non-replaceable, long life sealed lithium battery system. It also contains a voice
message system and SMART HUSH® Control to temporarily silence nuisance alarms.
Teach children how to respond to the alarm and that they should never play with the unit. Your Kidde Smoke
Alarm was designed for use in a residential environment. It is not designed for use in a recreational vehicle (RV)
or boat.
NOTE: Please thoroughly read this user guide and save the document for future reference and to pass on to any
subsequent owner.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the manufacturer recommend replacing this alarm ten
years from the date code on back of alarm.
Date Code (on back): ___________________
Date of Purchase: ___________________
Where Purchased: ___________________
Date to Replace: ___________________
Product Support: 1-800-880-6788
Please write down the below information
and have this at hand when you call.

3
Contents
1. Smoke Alarm: What To Do When The Alarm Sounds . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2. Other Alarm Visual And Audible Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3. Troubleshooting Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
4. Introduction, Product Features And Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
5. Limitations Of Smoke Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
6. Recommended Locations For Smoke Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
7. Locations To Avoid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
8. Installation And Activation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
9. Operation And Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
10. Recognizing Nuisance Alarms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
11. Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
12. Permanently Disable Alarm / Discharge Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
13. Cleaning Your Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
14. Good Safety Habits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
15. Service And Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

4
1. Smoke Alarm: What To Do When The Alarm Sounds
The smoke alarm pattern is three long beeps with voice “Fire!,” a 1.5 second pause, and three long beeps repeating.
The red LED blinks in time with the alarm pattern.
•Alert small children in the home as well as anyone else that might have difficulty recognizing the impor-
tance of the alarm sounding or that might have difficulty leaving the area without help.
•Leave immediately by your escape plan. Every second counts, so don’t waste time getting dressed or
picking up valuables.
•While leaving, don’t open any inside door without first feeling its surface. If hot, or if you see smoke seeping
through cracks, don’t open that door! Instead, use your alternate exit. If the inside of the door is cool, place
your shoulder against it, open it slightly and be ready to slam it shut if heat and smoke rush in.
•If the escape route requires you to go through smoke, stay close to the floor where the air is cleaner. Crawl if
necessary, and breathe shallowly through a cloth, wet if possible.
•Once outside, go to your selected meeting place and make sure everyone is there.
•Call the fire department or 911 from your cell phone outside, or from your neighbor’s home-not from yours!
•Don’t return to your home until the fire officials say that it is all right to do so.
NOTE: See Section RECOGNIZING NUISANCE ALARMS, for nuisance alarm situations.

5
2. Other Alarm Visual And Audible Indicators
Operational Mode Visual Indications Audible Indications Action/Note
Normal (standby) Green LED blink approx
every 60 sec.
Test (button press
when no alarm
condition is present)
(Note: Test is very
loud, stand a few feet
away.)
Red LED blinks in time
with alarm pattern.
• Single beep.
• 3 long beeps, voice "Fire!",
3 long beeps.
Perform button press
once a week to verify
proper alarm operation.
Smoke Alarm
Memory (unit has
experienced a smoke
alarm event)
Red LED blink every 16
sec.
After button push,
voice “Smoke previously
detected.”
NOTE: Alarm memory
is only retained for 24
hrs. Push button to clear
Alarm Memory.
Smoke Alarm Hush
Mode (SMART HUSH®
CONTROL)
Red LED blinks every
2 sec.
After button push, voice
“Hush Mode Activated."
Smoke alarm pattern stops.
(If there is too much smoke
to allow Hush: voice “Too
Much Smoke cannot be
Hushed.” Smoke alarm
pattern continues.)
This feature is to be used
only when a known alarm
condition, such as smoke
from cooking, activates
the alarm.

6
3. Troubleshooting Guide
If you require further information please contact Product Support at 1-800-880-6788 or write us at:
Kidde, 1016 Corporate Park Drive, Mebane, NC 27302. Our internet address is www.kidde.com.
Trouble Condition Visual Indications Audible Indications Action
Low Battery Amber LED blink
every 60 sec.
Chirp and voice “Replace
alarm” every 60 sec. (After
an hour, voice occurs only
once every 15 mins)
Voice “Hush mode acti-
vated” after button push
(rst 7 days only).
* Push button once to silence for
24 hrs. (Push button again to clear
Hush and perform a test.)
Note: 7 days after Low Battery
begins, the notications cannot
be silenced.
* Remove, discharge, dispose unit,
and replace as soon as possible.
Fault: Smoke Sen-
sor Error
Amber LED
blinks every
30 sec.
Chirp every 30 sec, voice
“Smoke Sensor Error”
every 60 sec. (After 1 hour,
voice only after button is
pushed.)
* See Cleaning Your Alarm section.
* Push button once to attempt to
reset the unit.
* If error continues, remove, dis-
charge, dispose unit, and replace
as soon as possible.
Fault: Memory Error Chirp every 30 sec, voice
“Memory Error” every
60 sec. (After 1 hour,
voice only after button is
pushed.)
* Push button once to attempt to
reset the unit.
* If error continues, remove,
discharge, dispose unit, and
replace as soon as possible.
End of Unit Life Amber LED blinks
twice every 30 sec.
Double chirp every 30
sec. Voice “Replace alarm”
every 60 sec for rst hour,
and then every 15 mins.
Voice “Hush mode acti-
vated” after button push
(rst 7 days only).
* Push button once to silence
for 24 hrs. (Push button again to
clear Hush and perform a test.)
Note: 7 days after End of Unit Life
begins, the notications cannot
be silenced.
* Remove, discharge, dispose unit,
and replace as soon as possible.

7
4. Introduction, Product Features And Specifications
Introduction
This alarm detects products of combustion using a multi-criteria optical sensor. Ten (10) years after the unit was
installed, this unit will automatically alert you that it is time to replace the unit. This is called “End of Unit Life”
mode. See Troubleshooting Guide.
To help identify the date to replace the unit, a label has been affixed to the side of the alarm. Write the “Install
date” in the space provided, and then write in the “Replace by” date (10 years from initial power up) in permanent
marker on the label prior to installing the unit.
Product Features and Specifications:
•Temperature Operating Range: 40°F (4.4°C) to 100°F (37.8°C)
•Humidity Operating range: up to 95% RH non-condensing
•Audible Alarm: 85+ dB at 10’, 3.0 to 3.5 KHz pulsing alarm, with voice message “Fire!”
•Smoke Sensor: Multi-Criteria Optical
•Voice message system
•Smoke Alarm SMART HUSH® Control
•Powered by a 3V DC non-replaceable sealed lithium battery.
•One large, user- friendly button.

8
5. Limitations Of Smoke Alarms
WARNING: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND THOROUGHLY
•Life safety from fire in residential occupancies is based primarily on early notification to occupants of the need to
escape, followed by the appropriate egress actions by those occupants.
•There are situations where a smoke alarm may not be effective to protect against fire as stated in the NFPA
Standard 72. For instance:
a) smoking in bed
b) leaving children home alone
c) cleaning with flammable liquids, such as gasoline
•Fire warning systems for dwelling units are capable of protecting about half of the occupants in potentially fatal
fires. A smoke alarm may not be effective in some situations, such as during incendiary fires where the fire grows so
rapidly that an occupant’s egress is blocked even with properly located smoke alarms, or when victims are intimate
with the fire (for example, when a person’s clothes catch fire while cooking), too old or young, or physically or
mentally impaired such that they cannot escape even when warned early enough that escape should be possible.
For these people, additional strategies such as protection-in-place or assisted escape or rescue are necessary.
•For maximum detection of the various types of fires that can occur within the home, including fast flaming and
slow smoldering, it is recommended that multi criteria smoke alarms be installed. This model meets the latest
residential smoke alarm standards, which includes enhanced resistance to nuisance alarms from cooking.
•A battery powered alarm must have a battery of the specified type, in good condition and installed properly (this
model has a sealed battery).
•Smoke alarms must be tested regularly to make sure the battery and the alarm circuits are in good operating
condition.
•Smoke alarms cannot provide an alarm if smoke does not reach the alarm. Therefore, smoke alarms may not sense
fires starting in chimneys, within walls, on roofs, on the other side of a closed door or other obstruction.
•If the alarm is located outside the bedroom or on a different floor, it may not wake up a sound sleeper.
•The use of alcohol or drugs may also impair one’s ability to hear the smoke alarm. For maximum protection, a
smoke alarm should be installed in each sleeping area on every level of a home.
This alarm is not intended to alert hearing impaired individuals.

9
6. Recommended Locations For Smoke Alarms
•Locate smoke alarms in all sleeping areas. Try to monitor the exit path as the bedrooms are usually farthest
from the exit. If more than one sleeping area exists, locate additional alarms in each sleeping area.
•Locate additional alarms in stairways, because stairways act like chimneys for smoke and heat.
•Locate at least one alarm on every floor level.
•Locate an alarm in every bedroom.
•Locate an alarm in every room where electrical appliances are operated (i.e. portable heaters or humidifiers).
•Locate an alarm in every room where someone sleeps with the door closed. The closed door may prevent
an alarm not located in that room from waking the sleeper.
•Smoke, heat, and combustion products rise to the ceiling and spread horizontally. Mounting the smoke
alarm on the ceiling in the center of the room places it closest to all points in the room. Ceiling mounting is
preferred in ordinary residential construction.
Figure 6-A
ANYWHERE ALONG
THIS BOLD SURFACE
Locations permitted for smoke
alarms and smoke detectors
on tray-shaped ceilings.
Not within 6 feet of appliances
ACCEPTABLE
TOP OF ALARM
ACCEPTABLE HERE
Note: measurements shown
are to the closest edge
of the alarm.
ANYWHERE ALONG
THIS BOLD SURFACE
Locations permitted for smoke
alarms and smoke detectors
on tray-shaped ceilings.
Not within 6 feet of appliances

10
ANYWHERE ALONG
THIS BOLD SURFACE
Locations permitted for smoke
alarms and smoke detectors
on tray-shaped ceilings.
Not within 6 feet of appliances
ANYWHERE ALONG
THIS BOLD SURFACE
Locations permitted for smoke
alarms and smoke detectors
on tray-shaped ceilings.
Not within 6 feet of appliances
ANYWHERE ALONG
THIS BOLD SURFACE
Locations permitted for smoke
alarms and smoke detectors
on tray-shaped ceilings.
Not within 6 feet of appliances
NFPA 72 states: “Smoke alarms in rooms with ceiling slopes greater than 1 ft in 8 ft (.3m in 2.4 m) horizontally shall
be located on the high side of the room.” NFPA 72 states: “A row of detectors shall be spaced and located within 3
ft (0.9m) of the peak of the ceiling measured horizontally.”
Figure 6-B Figure 6-C
ANYWHERE ALONG
THIS BOLD SURFACE
Locations permitted for smoke
alarms and smoke detectors
on tray-shaped ceilings.
Not within 6 feet of appliances

11
•For mobile home installation, select locations carefully to avoid thermal barriers that may form at the
ceiling. For more details, see MOBILE HOME INSTALLATION section.
•When mounting the alarm on the wall, use an inside wall with the top edge of the alarm at a maximum
of 12” (30.5 cm) below the ceiling.
•Put smoke alarms at both ends of a bedroom hallway or large room if the hallway or room is more than 30
feet (9.1 m) long.
•Install Smoke Alarms on sloped, peaked or cathedral ceilings at or within 3ft (0.9m) of the highest point
(measured horizontally).
This equipment should be installed in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association’s 72 (National
Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269).
Mobile Home Installation
Modern mobile homes have been designed and built to be energy efficient. Install smoke alarms as recom-
mended above. In older mobile homes that are not well insulated compared to present standards, extreme
heat or cold can be transferred from the outside to the inside through poorly insulated walls and roof. This may
create a thermal barrier which can prevent the smoke from reaching an alarm mounted on the ceiling. In such
units, install the smoke alarm on an inside wall with the top edge of the alarm a maximum of 12” (30.5 cm) below
the ceiling.
If you are not sure about the insulation in your mobile home, or if you notice that the outer walls and ceiling are
either hot or cold compared to the room air temperature, install the alarm on an inside wall. NFPA 72 (National
Fire Protection Association) requires smoke alarms be installed in each sleeping area.
WARNING: TEST YOUR ALARM OPERATION AFTER MOBILE HOME HAS BEEN IN STORAGE OR
UNOCCUPIED, AND AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK DURING USE.

12
7. Locations To Avoid
(See Figures 6-A, 6-B, & 6-C for recommended locations)
•In the garage. Products of combustion are present when you start your automobile.
•Normal cooking may cause nuisance alarms. If a kitchen alarm is desired, it should have an alarm silence
feature and should not be installed within 6 ft of cooking appliances.
•Do not install within 6 ft of heating appliances.
•Less than 4” (10cm) from the peak of an “A” frame type ceiling.
•In an area where the temperature may fall below 40ºF or rise above 100ºF, such as garages and unfinished
attics.
•In dusty areas. Dust particles may cause nuisance alarms or a failure to alarm.
•In very humid areas (above 95% RH, non-condensing) as moisture or steam can cause nuisance alarms.
•In insect-infested areas.
•Smoke alarms should not be installed within 3 ft (.9m) of the door to a bathroom containing a tub or shower,
forced air supply ducts used for heating or cooling, ceiling or whole house ventilating fans, or other high air
flow areas.
•Near lights. Electronic “noise” generated by the lights may cause nuisance alarms.
•Do not install near vents, flues, or chimneys.
•Do not install near fans, doors, windows or areas directly exposed to the weather..
NOTE: Smoke alarms are not to be used with detector guards unless the combination (alarm and detector
guard) has been evaluated and found suitable for that purpose.

13
8. Installation And Activation
NOTE: One of the following steps must be taken to ensure activation:
A. Locate the red wheel on the back of the unit - turn the red wheel to
the “ON” position using the included white activation tool or a
standard screwdriver. Battery will remain active to allow for
installation on mounting bracket.
B. Orient the unit with LED pointing to the right as shown in Figure 8-B,
and rotate the unit a full 90 degrees clockwise onto the mounting
bracket. To allow for installation, battery will remain active when unit
is removed from mounting bracket.
NOTE: The battery activation is a one-time feature that occurs when
the alarm is rotated fully onto the mounting bracket. Upon initial
power being applied, a voice “Push Test Button” will be heard. After
activation, the battery cannot be turned off, and can only be
discharged at the end of product life. If the alarm is removed from
the mounting bracket, the battery will remain active.
See Permanently Disable Alarm / Discharge Battery section.
After selecting the proper location for your alarm, attach the mounting
bracket to the wall or ceiling. To ensure aesthetic alignment of the alarm
with the hallway, or wall, the “A” line on the mounting bracket should be
parallel with the hallway when ceiling mounted, or horizontal when wall mounted.
•Install the alarm fully on the mounting bracket by rotating the alarm in a clockwise direction.
The alarm is now activated! After installation / activation, test your alarm as described in Operation and Testing section.
WARNING: FAILURE TO PROPERLY INSTALL AND ACTIVATE THIS ALARM WILL PREVENT
PROPER OPERATION OF THIS ALARM AND WILL PREVENT ITS RESPONSE TO FIRE HAZARDS.
Figure 8 -C
Figure 8 -A
Figure 8 -B
USE ACTIVATION
TOOL OR SCREWDRIVER
ON
Break
tab
This alarm is not compatible
with Kidde CO-relays
and Strobes manufactured
before Nov. 1, 2011
PERMANENTLY
DISABLE and
DISCHARGE
ALARM
(2) Rotate slotted
arrow clockwise to
disable & discharge.
(3) Install new alarm.
(1) Push in the dashed
area with a screwdriver
to break tab.
When unit
announces
“Replace alarm”
CERTIFIED
SAFETY
SIGNALING
US
S1816
Multi-criteria Smoke Alarm
Helps Reduce
Cooking
Nuisance Alarms
UL 217 8
th
Ed.
底盘
注意“A”
标记线的方向.
LED 指示灯
按上面的图示，报警器对齐底盘“A”标记线，
安装到报警器到底盘上，顺时针旋转90度。
拆卸 安装
A
When mounting
in a hallway,
the "A" line should
be parallel with the
hallway. When wall
mounting, the "A"
line should be
horizontal.
Alignment Marks
(”A” Line) on
Mounting
Bracket
Mark and drill two 3/16" (5mm)
holes for wall anchors.

14
9. Operation And Testing
Operation
The alarm is operating once it is activated and testing is complete (see “TESTING” below). When products of
combustion (smoke) are sensed, the unit sounds a loud alarm with voice messages. See Section 1 for alarm
signal descriptions.
Testing
Test your alarm weekly by pressing and releasing the button quickly. A quick beep will confirm the button has
been pushed followed by the test sequence. See Other Alarm Visual and Audible Indicators table. The alarm
and voice will sound if the electronic circuitry, horn, speaker, and battery are working. If the alarm or voice does
not sound, or gives erratic or low volume sound, the unit must be replaced. See Permanently Disable Alarm /
Discharge Battery section to determine how to prepare the unit for shipment or disposal.
WARNING: DUE TO THE LOUDNESS OF THE ALARM, ALWAYS STAND ABOUT 2.5 FEET AWAY
FROM THE UNIT OR USE EAR PROTECTION WHEN TESTING.
WARNING: DO NOT USE AN OPEN FLAME TO TEST YOUR ALARM, YOU COULD DAMAGE
THE ALARM OR IGNITE COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS AND START A STRUCTURE FIRE.
Chirping
When End of Unit Life or Low Battery chirping begins, you can temporarily silence these chirps by pressing the
button.
WARNING: REPLACE UNIT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE WHEN IN END OF UNIT LIFE OR LOW BATTERY
MODE.

15
10. Recognizing Nuisance Alarms
Smoke Nuisance
HUSH®: If you know why the alarm is sounding, and you can verify that it is not a life threatening situation, you
can push the button to silence the alarm for 8-10 minutes. If the smoke is not too dense, that unit will silence.
After the Hush® period, the smoke alarm will automatically reset and sound the alarm if particles of combustion
are still present. You can use Hush® repeatedly until the air has been cleared of the condition causing the alarm.
NOTE: Dense smoke will override Hush® and sound a continuous alarm. If no fire is present, check to
see if one of the reasons listed in “Locations to avoid” may have caused the alarm. If a fire is discovered,
get out and call the fire department or 911.
This alarm is designed to minimize nuisance alarms. Cigarette smoke will not normally cause the unit to alarm,
unless the smoke is blown directly into the alarm. Combustion particles from cooking may set off the alarm if it
is located too close to a cooking appliance. Large quantities of combustible particles are generated from spills or
when broiling. Using the fan on a range hood which vents to the outside (non-recirculating type) will also help
prevent nuisance alarms from occurring by removing these combustible products from the kitchen.

16
11. B at ter y
NOTE: This alarm is powered by a non-replaceable, sealed lithium battery system. No battery installa-
tion or replacement is necessary for the life of the alarm.
IMPORTANT: Constant exposure to high or low humidity or temperatures may reduce battery life.
WARNING: NO SERVICEABLE PARTS INCLUDED. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO OPEN THE ALARM FOR
ANY REASON! DO NOT TRY TO REPAIR THE ALARM YOURSELF.
Low Battery
This alarm is equipped with a low battery monitor circuit. If the battery capacity is nearing the point where
it can no longer provide adequate power for all alarm functions, the low battery condition will occur. See
Troubleshooting Guide. The unit must be replaced within 7 days of the first occurrence of the “Low Battery
Warning” to provide continuous alarm protection.
CAUTION: THE BATTERY USED IN THIS DEVICE MAY PRESENT A FIRE OR CHEMICAL BURN
HAZARD IF MISTREATED. DO NOT RECHARGE, DISASSEMBLE, HEAT ABOVE 100°C 212°F OR
DISPOSE OF IN FIRE.

17
12. Permanently Disable Alarm / Discharge Battery
WARNING: FAILURE TO DISCHARGE ALARM BATTERY AS INSTRUCTED PRIOR TO
DISPOSAL MAY CREATE POTENTIAL FOR LITHIUM BATTERY RELATED FIRE OR HAZARD.
WARNING: DISCHARGING THE ALARM BATTERY IS PERMANENT
•Once the alarm battery has been discharged, it cannot be reactivated!
•Once discharged, the alarm will NO LONGER DETECT SMOKE.
•Once the alarm battery is discharged, the battery is depleted and the alarm will no longer function.
•Once the alarm battery has been discharged, the alarm cannot be mounted onto the mounting bracket or
reactivated.
To Permanently Disable Alarm / Discharge Battery:
•Rotate the alarm counterclockwise to remove it from the mounting
bracket.
•Push in the dashed area with a screwdriver to break tab.
•After the tab is broken, use the screwdriver to turn the red slotted arrow
to the "Permanently Disable Alarm / Discharge Battery" location. This
will disable the alarm, stop the low battery or end of unit life “chirps” and
render the alarm safe for disposal by draining the battery.
Figures 12-A (top) and 12-B (bottom)

18
13. Cleaning Your Alarm
Your Alarm Should be Cleaned at Least Once a Year
You can clean the interior of your alarm (sensing chamber) by using compressed air or a vacuum cleaner hose
and blowing or vacuuming through the openings around the perimeter of the alarm. The outside of the alarm
can be wiped with a damp cloth. Use only water to dampen the cloth, use of detergents or cleaners could
damage the alarm.
If the alarm is in Fault mode , the alarm may be in need of cleaning. After cleaning, press the button. If the fault
does not clear, the alarm needs to be replaced.
•Never use detergent or other solvents to clean the unit.
•Avoid spraying air freshener, hair spray, or other aerosols near the alarm.
•Do not paint the unit. Paint will seal the vents and interfere with the sensor’s ability to detect smoke.
•Never attempt to disassemble the unit to clean inside. This action will void your warranty.
WARNING: REINSTALL THE ALARM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO ENSURE CONTINUOUS
PROTECTION.

19
14. Good Safety Habits
Develop and Practice a Plan of Escape
Prepare and practice a home escape plan twice a year, including drills at night. Know two ways out of every
room (door & window) and identify a meeting place outside the home where everyone will gather once they
have exited the residence. When two people have reached the meeting place, one should leave to call 911 while
the second person stays to account for additional family members. Establish a rule that once you’re out, you
never re-enter under any circumstance!
•Make a floor plan indicating all doors and windows and at least two (2) escape routes from each room.
Stories above ground level may need a rope or chain ladder.
•Have a family meeting and discuss your escape plan, showing everyone what to do in case of fire and where
to meet after they leave the house.
•Ensure that small children hear the alarm and wake when it sounds. They must wake up in order to execute
the escape plan. Practice allows all occupants to test your plan before an emergency. You may not be able
to reach your children. It is important they know what to do.
•Familiarize everyone with the sounds of the smoke alarm and train them to leave your home when they hear it.
•Current studies have shown smoke alarms may not awaken all sleeping individuals, and that it is the respon-
sibility of individuals in the household that are capable of assisting others to provide assistance to those who
may not be awakened by the alarm sound, or to those who may be incapable of safely evacuating the area
unassisted.
•Install and maintain fire extinguishers on every level of the home and in the kitchen, basement and garage.
Know how to use a fire extinguisher prior to an emergency.

20
Fire Prevention
Never smoke in bed or leave cooking food
unattended. Teach children never to play with
matches or lighters! Train everyone in the home
to recognize the smoke alarm pattern and to
leave the home using their escape plan when
it’s heard. Know how to do “Stop, Drop and
Roll” if clothes catch on fire, and how to crawl
low under smoke. Install and maintain fire
extinguishers on every level of the home and in
the kitchen, basement and garage.
NFPA (National Fire Protection Associa-
tion)
Fire Safety in the Home: NFPA 72 is intended to provide reasonable safety for persons in family living units.
Reasonable fire safety can be produced through the following three-point program: (1) Minimizing fire hazards
(2) Providing fire-warning equipment (3) Having and practicing an escape plan.
Smoke Detection – Are More Alarms Desirable?
The required number of smoke alarms might not provide reliable early warning protection for those areas separated
by a door from the areas protected by the required smoke alarms. For this reason, it is recommended that the
resident consider the use of additional smoke alarms for those areas for increased protection. The additional areas
include the basement, bedrooms, dining room, furnace room, utility room, and hallways not protected by the
required smoke alarms. The installation of smoke alarms in attics (finished or unfinished), garages, or within 6’ of a
heating or cooking appliance is not normally recommended, as these locations occasionally experience conditions
that can result in improper operation.
For your information, the National Fire Protection
Association’s Standard 72 reads: Where required by other
governing laws, codes, or standards for a specific type of
occupancy, approved single and multiple-station smoke
alarms shall be installed as follows:
1. In all sleeping rooms and guest rooms
2. Outside of each separate dwelling unit sleeping area,
within 21 ft (6.4 m) of any door to a sleeping room,
with the distance measured along a path of travel
3. On every level of a dwelling unit, including base-
ments
4. On every level of a residential board and care
occupancy (small facility), including basements and
excluding crawl spaces and unfinished attics
5. In the living area(s) of a guest suite
6. In the living area(s) of a residential board and care
occupancy (small facility)