Smoke Alarms tips / Fire is the Third Leading Cause of Accidental Death at Home

By installing smoke alarms you can reduce the risk of death by nearly 50%

According to the National Fire Association, 75 to 80% of all deaths by fire happen in the house. More than half of these deaths occur in buildings without smoke alarms.
There are different types of fires:

Ionization smoke alarms: respond best to fast, raging fires but not as quickly as photo electric smoke alarms to slow, smoldering fires. A fast flaming fire spreads very fast and generates a lot of heat but not a lot of smoke.

Photo electric smoke alarms: are best for dealing with smoldering fires that generate a lot of thick smoke with little heat. They are less prone to nuisance alarms from cooking which makes them an excellent choice for the kitchen area.

How Many Smoke Detectors / Alarms Do I Need?
The National Fire Protection Association recommends that smoke detectors be installed outside each sleeping area of the house and on every additional level of the house. This includes basements.

What to Do when an Alarm Sounds:
.Leave immediately by your escape plan. Every second counts so don't waste time getting dressed or picking up valuables.
.In leaving, don't open any inside doors 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 door is cool, place your shoulder against it. Open it slightly and be ready to slam it shut if heat or smoke rush in.
.Stay close to the floor is the air is Smokey. Crawl low where the air is clearer. 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 from your neighbors' home - not form yours! Never go back inside!
.Don't return to your home until the fire officials say that it is all right to do so.