4. Recommended mounting locations
• Install the smoke alarm in the immediate vicinity of the bedroom. Secure the escape route, as often the bedroom
is the farthest away from the exit. Should there be more than one bedroom, install other alarm systems in each
bedroom.
• Also install an alarm system in the stair case, because in case of fire, stair cases could serve as chimneys,
expanding the raging fire.
• Make sure you install at least one smoke alarm on every floor.
• Install a smoke alarm in rooms where smokers are sleeping or where there are electric devices.
• Smoke and combustion residues rise and spread horizontally. Install smoke detectors in the centre of the ceiling, as
this is the nearest point for every space in the room. Ceiling mounting is advisable in living quarters, whereas in mobile
quarters installation on the sides is the best solution, as to avoid a possible thermal barrier beneath the ceiling.
• If you install the detector on the ceiling, make sure that there is at least 60cm between a side wall and 60cm
between every corner (see diagram A) and the detector. Install the detector at max. 50cm below the ceiling.
WARNING! DO NOT INSTALL THE SMOKE ALARM IN:
• A kitchen – kitchen smoke could trigger the alarm.
• A garage – combustion gases are also formed when you start your car.
• In front of heating devices and climate control units.
• At the highest point of a saddle roof.
• In rooms with temperatures under 5°C (44°F) or above 37.8°C (100°F).
• Do not attach the smoke detector to the ceiling of campers or such. The sun warms the ceiling and the air in the
upper part of the room. Warm air can prevent the smoke of a dangerous smouldering fire from reaching the
detector.
THE SMOKE DETECTOR WILL NOT FUNCTION WITHOUT BATTERY. WHEN THE LOW-BAT SIGNAL
SOUNDS, INSERT A NEW, GOOD BATTERY. TEST THE SYSTEM ON A WEEKLY BASIS.
5. Planning and practising an escape route
THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF AN ESCAPE ROUTE
• Create a floor plan on which every door and window is indicated and which contains at least two escape routes
for every room. For windows on the second floor you could need a rope or ladder.
• Call a family meeting to discuss the escape route and teach everyone what to do in case of fire.
• Acquaint yourself with the alarm sound of the smoke alarm and instruct everyone on how to leave the building in
case of alarm.
• Mark the children's bedrooms with red stickers in the upper left corners of the windows. These can be obtained
from your local fire department.
• Practise the evacuation at least every six months. Practise helps you to optimise your evacuation plan. It is
important that you know what to do.
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