When it comes to fire safety, smoke detectors are our first line of defense. If a house fire breaks out, every second matters, so it’s necessary to alert the occupants as soon as possible. Since smoke detectors have become common in American homes since the 1970s, they’ve prevented countless tragedies. Make sure you get an early warning in case of fire. Here are tips for smoke detector placement in the home.
Best Placement for Smoke Detectors in Common Areas
Install a smoke detector in common areas, like the living room, dining room, and den. In a larger home, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends placing additional smoke detectors in stairways and hallways. Also, install detectors directly outside of rooms that are more prone to fire like the kitchen and laundry room. To decrease the occurrence of false alarms, place devices at least 10 feet from cooking appliances.
Bedroom Smoke Detector Placement
Install a smoke detector in each bedroom. Family members tend to be less alert when in the bedrooms and having a device in each space will alert a person if a fire starts in their room. A smoke detector should also be installed in the hallway outside the sleeping areas.
On Every Level of a Home
In a multi-level building, install at least one smoke detector on each floor. For levels without bedrooms, place the devices in common areas, like the living room, den, or family room. For added protection, install a smoke detector on the ceiling at the bottom of the stairs. This will alert anyone upstairs if a fire breaks out below.
Other Considerations for Smoke Detector Placement
Generally, the device should be installed on the ceiling or high on the wall, between 4 and 12 inches from the ceiling. Installation is simple, but for best results, there are some places you should not install smoke detectors:
Bathroom
Don’t install smoke detectors in areas with excess moisture, like the bathrooms. Humidity may prevent a smoke detector from functioning as intended.
Sliding Doors or Windows
Refrain from installing smoke detectors near windows or doors. The airflow from doors and windows may prevent the device from effectively detecting smoke.
Garages and Sunrooms
Don’t install smoke detectors in areas that are not temperature controlled. Although fires can originate in the garage, the device may not detect a fire in this space. Instead, install the smoke detector near the door leading to the garage. Sunrooms or porches that are exposed to the elements are also not good locations for smoke detectors.
Near Fans or HVAC Vents
If you are installing smoke detectors on your ceiling, leave ample space between your smoke detectors and ceiling fans or air ducts. Moving air can prevent your smoke detector from working effectively and may delay the alarm.
Test the smoke detectors in your home once every month and replace the batteries twice each year. Keep the devices clean and free of dust and replace the detectors, themselves, after 10 years of service.
Certinspectors provides home inspections in the Hudson Valley of New York. Contact us to schedule an appointment.