How to Install Smoke Alarms to Assure Life & Safety

Knowing the correct way to install smoke alarms is vital to your home safety. Smoke alarms go off when smoke is present in the home. This alerts you and your family members to evacuate the home swiftly and call the fire department. You should discuss with your family the proper way to exit the home when an alarm goes off. Also designate a place to meet outside the home so that you can quickly establish if anyone is trapped inside or still in danger. Discuss how to use a fire extinguisher and how to call the fire department or other emergency numbers. These preventative measures ensure that everyone escapes the home safely and avoids disastrous injuries.

Things You'll Need

Ladder or sturdy step stool

Screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Hire a qualified electrician to install smoke alarms that are interconnected through the wiring system in your home. Interconnected smoke alarms are an extra safety precaution because they alert members in every section of your home that a fire is in progress. This allows everyone to exit safely before the fire prevents the escape.
- 2
  Install smoke detectors on each level of your home, near each separate bedroom or sleeping area. Many fires resulting in fatalities start in the early morning or late at night. Don't forget to put an alarm in the basement.
- 3
  Place the smoke alarms high on ceilings and walls. Remember that smoke rises. If your ceiling has a high pitch, install it at the highest point to ensure the safety of your family. Use a ladder or sturdy step stool to mount the alarms properly.
- 4
  Mount ceiling alarms at least 4 inches away from the nearest wall. Place wall-mounted alarms approximately 4 to 12 inches from the ceiling.
- 5
  Purchase special smoke alarms for individuals who are hard of hearing or deaf. Alarms that flash lights, vibrate or have a combination of sound, light and vibrations are available for these individuals.

Smoke Alarm Vs. Smoke Detector

Fire Detection & Suppression Systems

Smoke Detectors