Homes Should Have Two Types of Smoke Detectors

As Kevin Kent walks through the hallways of his home, he makes it clear he wants to protect his house.  That is why you will find smoke detectors all over.

"Alright, so we have one in our hallway. We have another in this bedroom," Kent said.

From hallways, bedrooms and basement, it looks like Kent, his wife and three children are set. 

Many people know just how important it is to have multiple smoke detectors in our homes.  But some people may be surprised to know that you might not be as safe from a deadly fire if you do not have different types of smoke detectors.

Kent willingly admits he does not know what type of detectors he has in his home.  And Kent probably is not the only one. 

However, Sioux Falls Fire Rescue officials say you should have two different kinds of smoke detectors in your homes.

"Photoelectric and ionization,"  Fire Chief Jim Sideras said.

They both look the same, but a photoelectric device is better for detecting slow-burning, smoldering fires.  Ionization better detects fast-burning, flaming fires.

"They both serve a purpose. They both work well and if you have them in your home you really shouldn't need to worry about it," Sideras said.

If you want to know which type you have, just look inside and most will say photoelectric or ionization. 

According to Sideras, tens of millions of people do not have any kind of smoke detector. Kent hopes awareness about having both types of detectors will help people take the time to protect their families.

"Obviously every type of house should have smoke detectors, especially if there are children in the house.  As parents it should be our duty and obligation to protect our children," Kent said.