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LIMITATIONS OF SMOKE ALARMS
Smoke Alarms have played a key role in reducing deaths resulting from home
fires worldwide. However, like any warning device, Smoke Alarms can only
work if they are properly located, installed, and maintained, and if smoke
reaches the Alarms. They are not foolproof.
Smoke alarms may not waken all individuals. Practice the escape plan
at least twice a year, making sure that everyone is involved – from kids to
grandparents. Allow children to master fire escape planning and practice
before holding a fire drill at night when they are sleeping. If children or others
do not readily waken to the sound of the smoke alarm, or if there are infants
or family members with mobility limitations, make sure that someone is
assigned to assist them in fire drill and in the event of an emergency. It is
recommended that you hold a fire drill while family members are sleeping in
order to determine their response to the sound of the smoke alarm while
sleeping and to determine whether they may need assistance in the event
of an emergency.
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 units
cannot work if the AC power is cut off for any reason (open fuse or circuit
breaker, failure along a power line or at a power station, electrical fire that
burns the electrical wires, etc.). If you are concerned about the limitations
of battery or AC power, install both types of units.
Smoke Alarms cannot detect fires if the smoke does not reach the
Alarms. Smoke from fires in chimneys or walls, on roofs, or on the other side
of closed doors may not reach the sensing chamber and set off the Alarm.
That is why one unit should be installed inside each bedroom or sleeping
area—especially if bedroom or sleeping area doors are closed at night—and
in the hallway between them.
Smoke Alarms may not detect fire on another floor or area of the
dwelling. For example, a stand-alone unit on the second floor may not detect
smoke from a basement fire until the fire spreads. This may not give you
enough time to escape safely. That is why recommended minimum protection
is at least one unit in every sleeping area, and every bedroom on every level
of your dwelling. Even with a unit on every floor, stand-alone units may not
provide as much protection as interconnected units, especially if the fire starts
in a remote area. Some safety experts recommend installing interconnected
AC powered units with battery back-up (see "About Smoke Alarms") or
professional fire detection systems, so if one unit senses smoke, all units
alarm. Interconnected units may provide earlier warning than stand-alone
units since all units alarm when one detects smoke.
Smoke Alarms may not be heard. Though the alarm horn in this unit meets
or exceeds current standards, 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 stereo, TV, traffic,
air conditioner or other appliances, 4) residents are hearing impaired or sound
sleepers. Special purpose units, like those with visual and audible alarms,
should be installed for hearing impaired residents.
Smoke Alarms may not have time to alarm before the fire itself causes
damage, injury, or death, since smoke from some fires may not reach
the unit immediately. Examples of this include persons smoking in bed,
children playing with matches, or fires caused by violent explosions
resulting from escaping gas.
Smoke Alarms are not foolproof. Like any electronic device, Smoke Alarms
are made of components that can wear out or fail at any time. You must test
the unit weekly to ensure your continued protection. Smoke Alarms cannot
prevent or extinguish fires. They are not a substitute for property or life
insurance.
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 from date of purchase. Write the purchase date on the space provided
on back of unit.
LIMITED WARRANTY
BRK Brands, Inc., ("BRK") the maker of First Alert
products, warrants that for a period of ten years from the date of purchase,
this product will be free from defects in material and workmanship.
BRK, at its option, will repair or replace this product or any component of
the product found to be defective during the warranty period. Replacement
will be made with a new or remanufactured product or component. If the
product is no longer available, replacement may be made with a similar
product of equal or greater value. This is your exclusive warranty.
This warranty is valid for the original retail purchaser from the date of initial
retail purchase and is not transferable. Keep the original sales receipt.
Proof of purchase is required to obtain warranty performance.
BRK dealers, service centers, or retail stores selling BRK products do not
have the right to alter, modify or any way change the terms and conditions
of this warranty.
This warranty does not cover normal wear of parts or damage resulting
from any of the following: negligent use or misuse of the product, use on
improper voltage or current, use contrary to the operating instructions,
disassembly, repair or alteration by anyone other than BRK or an authorized
service center. Further, the warranty does not cover Acts of God, such as
fire, flood, hurricanes and tornadoes or any batteries that are included with
this unit.
BRK shall not be liable for any incidental or consequential damages
caused by the breach of any express or implied warranty. Except to the
extent prohibited by applicable law, any implied warranty of merchantability
or fitness for a particular purpose is limited in duration to the duration of
the above warranty. Some states, provinces or jurisdictions do not allow
the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages or
limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations
or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal
rights, and you may also have other rights that vary from state to state or
province to province.
How to Obtain Warranty Service
Service: If service is required, do not return the product to your retailer.
In order to obtain warranty service, contact the Consumer Affairs Division
at 1-800-323-9005, 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM Central Standard Time, Monday
through Friday. To assist us in serving you, please have the model number
and date of purchase available when calling.
For Warranty Service return to:
BRK Brands, Inc., 25 Spur Drive, El Paso, TX 79906
Battery: BRK Brands, Inc. make no warranty, express or implied, written or
oral, including that of merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose
with respect to battery.
First Alert
®
is a registered trademark of the First Alert Trust.
BRK
®
is a registered trademark of BRK Brands, Inc.
7
®
brand and BRK
Printed in Mexico M08-0224-003 Q 11/10
®
brand
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