THERE ARE TWO BASIC SMOKE ALARM TYPES - IONIZATION AND PHOTOELECTRIC.

Ionization smoke alarms are your best overall choice for reliability and fast response time, since they quickly sense small "invisible" smoke particles and will also sense larger "visible" smoke particles. Photoelectric smoke alarms may respond more quickly in certain types of fires, for example - slow smoldering fires with large "visible" smoke particles.

ALL TYPES OF SMOKE ALARMS HAVE LIMITATIONS. NO TYPE OF SMOKE ALARM CAN SENSE EVERYKIND OF FIRE OR SMOKE EVERY TIME.

• WARNING - SMOKE ALARMS WILL NOT WORK DURING A LOSS OF POWER. SINCE A SMOKE ALARM WILL NOT WORK WITHOUT POWER, having an alarm(s) that works from two completely different power sources, such as an AC direct wire with battery backup smoke alarm, can give you an extra measure of protection in case of an AC power failure or a dead battery.

• USING A SMOKE ALARM IN A SMOKEY AREA LIKE A KITCHEN, OR IN A HIGH HUMIDITY AREA NEAR A SHOWER, CAN CAUSE FALSE ALARMS. DO NOT TURN OFF THE AC POWER TO QUIET THE ALARM. A SMOKE ALARM WILL NOT HELP PROTECT YOU IF IT IS NOT POWERED. Properly locate your alarm to avoid nuisance alarms.

• A SMOKE ALARM MAY NOT ALWAYS WARN YOU ABOUT FIRES CAUSED BY CARELESSNESS AND SAFETY HAZARDS LIKE SMOKING IN BED, VIOLENT EXPLOSIONS, ESCAPING GAS, IMPROPER STORAGE OF FLAMMABLE MATERIALS, OVERLOADED ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS, CHILDREN PLAYING WITH MATCHES, NATURAL CAUSES SUCH AS LIGHTNING, OR ARSON. FIRE PREVENTION IS YOUR BEST SAFEGUARD.

• INSTALLING SMOKE ALARMS MAY MAKE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR LOWER INSURANCE RATES, but SMOKE ALARMS ARE NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR INSURANCE. Homeowners and renters alike should continue to insure their lives and properties.

• SMOKE ALARMS CANNOT WORK WITHOUT POWER. Battery operated units cannot work if the batteries are missing, disconnected or dead, if the wrong type of batteries are used or if the batteries are not installed correctly. AC (only) powered units cannot work if the AC power is cut off for any reason, that is why Firetronics Smoke Detectors have a rechargeable battery back up in their AC powered smoke detector alarms.

• SMOKE ALARMS CANNOT DETECT FIRES IF THE SMOKE DOES NOT REACH THEM. Smoke from fires may not reach the sensing chamber and set off the alarm. One unit should be installed inside each bedroom or sleeping area.

• SMOKE ALARMS MAY NOT DETECT FIRE ON ANOTHER FLOOR OR AREA OF THE HOME. Recommended minimum protection is at least one unit in every sleeping area and every bedroom on every level of your home. Interconnected units may provide earlier warning than stand-alone units since all units alarm when one detects smoke.

• SMOKE ALARMS MAY NOT BE HEARD. The alarm horn in this unit meets or exceeds current standards, but it may not be heard if: (1) the unit is located outside a closed or partially closed door; (2) residents recently consumed alcohol or drugs; (3) the alarm is drowned out by noise from stereos, TV's, air conditioners or other appliances or (4) if residents are hearing impaired or sound sleepers.

• SMOKE ALARMS ARE NOT FOOLPROOF. You must test the unit weekly to ensure your continued protection. Smoke alarms cannot prevent or extinguish fires.

• SMOKE ALARMS HAVE A LIMITED LIFE. The unit should be replaced immediately if it is not operating properly. You should always replace a smoke alarm after 10 years.