Smoke detectors save lives and can reduce property damage in the event of a fire. Each year, thousands of fire-related deaths occur, mostly in homes with missing or inoperable alarms. A smoke detector gives an early warning of danger to your and your family members, providing valuable time to escape. Here are some tips for proper smoke detector placement in the home.
General Rules for Smoke Detector Placement
Because smoke rises, detectors should be installed on the ceiling or high on the walls. Any smoke detector will perform more effectively when not affected by air currents. Install them away from HVAC vents, windows, and doors. Keep your home safe by testing the devices monthly. Replace the batteries twice each year and the detectors themselves about every 10 years.
Smoke Detectors in the Bedrooms
Each bedroom in your home should have a working smoke detector. People aren’t alert while sleeping, so they need the device to warn them if a fire breaks out in the bedroom.
Hallway
Install a smoke alarm in the hallway outside the bedroom area. The alarm will sound a warning that sleeping family members can hear if a fire starts elsewhere in the house.
Smoke Detector Placement in the Kitchen
Many homeowners remove or deactivate the smoke detector in the kitchen. However, most house fires start in or around cooking appliances, making a detector necessary near the kitchen. To reduce the chance of false alarms, install the smoke alarm at least 10 feet away from the stove, oven, microwave, and toaster oven.
Detectors in Other Areas of the Home
Your home should have at least one detector on each level of the house and in the garage. It’s smart to also install a device in the laundry room where the heat of the dryer combined with lint from clothing could ignite a fire. Stairwells should have a smoke detector to warn of fire on other levels of the home. You should also install one near the furnace.
Precision Home Inspectors provides inspection services to Hampton Roads in Virginia. Contact us to book an appointment.