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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 them. 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 can-
not work if the AC power is cut off for any reason (open fuse or circuit breaker,
failure along an electrical mains 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 them.
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 home.
For example, a stand-alone unit on the second floor may not detect smoke
from a ground floor 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 all circulation spaces (normally hallways and staircases) that
form part of escape routes, on every level, and in all rooms and areas that
present a high fire risk. 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 intercon-
nected mains (AC) powered units with battery (DC) 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, etc.
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 user's manual
and keep in a safe place for future reference.
LIMITED GUARANTEE
BRK Brands Europe Ltd., ("the Company"), guarantees the Smoke Alarm
Model 7010BE – but not the battery – to be free from defects in materials
and workmanship under normal use and service for a period of five years
from the date of purchase. In addition, the Company guarantees the
Smoke Alarm Model 7010LBE – but not the battery – to be free from
defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service for a
period of ten years from the date of purchase.
BRK Brands Europe Ltd. makes no other express guarantee for this Smoke
Alarm. No agent, representative, dealer or employee of the Company has
the authority to increase or alter the obligations or limitations of the
Guarantee. The Company's obligation of this Guarantee shall be limited to
the repair or replacement of any part of the alarm which is found to be
defective in materials or workmanship under normal use and service during
the guarantee period commencing with date of purchase. The Company
shall not be obligated to repair or replace alarms which are found to be in
need of repair because of damage, unreasonable use, modifications or
alterations occurring after the date of purchase.
How to Obtain Guarantee Service
Service: If service is required, do not return the product to your retailer.
In order to obtain guarantee service, please telephone the BRK Customer
Service Dept. on 01275 845024 to arrange return.
Battery: BRK Brands Europe Ltd. make no guarantee, express or implied,
written or oral, including that of merchantability or fitness for any particular
purpose with respect to battery.
For your records, please record:
Date Purchased:__________________________
Where Purchased:_______________________________________
BRK
®
is a registered trademark of BRK Brands, Inc.
7
Printed in Mexico M09-0019-002 Q 06/04
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