Choosing a Smoke Alarm

Be sure the smoke alarm you buy bears the label of an independent testing lab.

Some alarms run on household current and include battery backup. These alarms require professional installation.

• Some alarms run on batteries alone and can be installed by the homeowner.
• “Long-Life” alarms have “10-year” batteries that are intended to last the life of the smoke alarm.
• Some alarms have a “hush” button so you can silence them if cooking fumes or steam sets off a “nuisance alarm.” These models re-activate automatically after 8 to 10 minutes.
• For people who are deaf or hearing impaired, some alarms flash a strobe-like light.