Dual Sensor Fire Alarms Recalled

July 2009

About 94,000 faulty smoke alarms have been recalled by Walter Kidde Portable Equipment Inc., according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The Kidde Model PI2000 Dual Sensor Smoke Alarms can be damaged by electrostatic discharge, resulting in failure to warn of a fire.

The defective Chinese-made alarms have date codes from August 1, 2008 through May 4, 2009 and were sold across the United States. The recalled model has two buttons on the front reading "HUSH" and "PUSH AND HOLD TO TEST WEEKLY."

Installing both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarm sensors is best because one is more sensitive to flames and the other to smoke. For a list of suggested smoke alarms from the National Fire Protection Association, visit their smoke alarm page. Here are some smoke alarm safety tips from the Home Safety Council:

• Test smoke alarms once a month by pushing the button until you hear a loud noise.
• Replace smoke alarms that are more than 10 years old.
• Replace batteries once a year and/or when a smoke alarm makes a chirping noise, indicating that the battery is low.
• Interconnected smoke alarms are best. Interconnected alarms in a home all automatically go off when one alarm is set off by a fire, allowing more time for individuals to escape safely.
• Since smoke rises, smoke alarms should be installed high on walls or on ceilings.