What is a 'smoke detector'?

What is a 'smoke detector'?

Stacy Gerlich (Fire Captain & Paramedic) gives expert video advice on: Why are smoke detectors important?; How do I install a smoke detector?; How often should I check my smoke detectors and fire extinguishers? and more...

A smoke detector is actually just a device that picks up on an increase in heat in a room and what it does is it gives you a signal, an audible signal, that is either going to be a sort of a loud shrill or a siren. More often than not you'll find sirens on a smoke detector in commercial buildings or high-rise buildings, but as far as the home, single family dwellings, it would be just a very loud obnoxious shrill on your fire alarm that most of us have heard when the battery needs to be changed.