Not all fires are the same. A flaming fire devours combustibles quickly, spreads rapidly and generates considerable heat with little smoke. Ionization smoke alarms respond first to fast flaming fires. A smoldering fire generates large amounts of thick, black smoke, with little heat and may smolder for hours before bursting into flames. Photoelectric smoke alarms respond first to slow smoldering fires and are less prone to nuisance alarms in the kitchen area.
Photoelectonic models are best suited for living rooms, bedrooms and kids rooms.
Large pieces of furniture, such as sofas, chairs, mattresses, counter tops, burn slowly and create more smoldering smoke than flames. Ionization models are best suited for rooms which contain highly combustible materials. Routinely test and clean your smoke alarms to keep them in good working order and replace your batteries. All fire extinguishers require hydrostatic pressure testing. Inspect annually and service according to the manufacturer s instructions.