The City of DeLand Fire Department provides services for the installation of smoke detectors. In the event that you need to replace or install a smoke detector, you can call the Fire Department at 386-626-7331 to request assistance. Please note that although the Fire Department will assist across jurisdictional lines for an emergency, this elective service can only be provided within your jurisdiction. Please make sure that you are within DeLand's City Limits. If you are not in DeLand's City Limits, please contact your local jurisdiction to inquire as to what services are offered.
New Florida Smoke Alarm Law
Effective January 1, 2015, when you replace a battery-powered smoke alarm in your home, or install a new one, it must be powered by a non-removeable and non-replaceable battery with at least a 10-year rated life.
This only applies to battery-powered smoke alarms. You do not have to replace an existing hard-wired smoke alarm; however it is recommended to replace an older hard-wired smoke alarm with a hard-wired smoke alarm that has a battery backup.
This law is located in the Florida Statute 553.883 as well as the Florida Building Code, Existing Buildings 603.2.
The largest percentage of fire deaths in the home occurs at night while people are asleep. Therefore, a working smoke alarm can provide an early warning that can make the difference between life and death. According to studies published by the National Fire Protection Association, having a smoke alarm cuts your risk of dying in a fire by nearly half. However, a smoke alarm should be part of an overall home fire safety strategy that also includes preventing fires by adopting fire safe behavior, and developing and practicing a home fire escape plan. In a fire, escape time may be very limited. Therefore, escape plans are a critical aspect of a home fire safety strategy.
Over a recent three-year period, an analysis was undertaken of people that died in homes where smoke alarms were present but did not work. 85% of those victims did not have a functioning smoke alarm because of a dead or missing battery/power source.
The two types operate on different principles and therefore may respond differently to various conditions. Some advantages to each type are outlined here.
Ionization
Fastest type to respond to flaming fires
Lowest cost and most commonly sold
Some models have a hush or temporary silence feature that allows silencing without removing the battery
Some models are available with a long life battery
Photoelectric
Fastest type to respond to slow smoldering fires and white or gray smoke
Less prone to nuisance alarms from cooking
Conclusion
Notwithstanding these differences, to achieve ULC listing, both alarms must be tested to the same standard and meet the same requirements. Photoelectric smoke alarms may respond slightly faster to smoldering fires, while ionization alarms respond slightly faster to flaming fires. Since you can't predict the type of fire that will occur, it is difficult to recommend which is best. Both alarms will detect all types of fires that commonly occur in the home. Installing both types of smoke alarms in your home can enhance fire safety.