Smoke Detector Safety Tips

Installation Positions

• A smoke detector won't do you any good if it isn't installed in areas where you spend a lot of time. For proper safety protection against fire hazards, place a smoke detector in each of your home's bedrooms. Place another detector outside of the aforesaid sleeping areas and one more smoke detector on each floor of your home. The exact position on the ceiling where the detector gets placed doesn't matter as long as it's not near a window or a vent.

Certification

• With dozens of smoke detectors on the market, trying to find the right detector may seem daunting. Whichever one you choose, certification by the Underwriters Laboratories -- marked by the "UL" logo on the detector and its package -- poses as one of the most critical things to look for. This certification ensures the detector performs efficiently.

Testing and Cleaning

• Test your smoke detector every seven days by pressing the test button on the detector's panel. The last thing you want is for your detector to fail and you don't notice the problem in time to fix it before a fire. Additionally, dust and wipe down your detector once every 12 months as debris can build up and clog the detecting mechanisms, and replace the detector's batteries with a fresh battery.

Replacement

• Even with regular cleaning and testing, the internal components of your detector can slowly degrade. Once every decade, replace all the smoke alarms in your home.

Use a Voice

• If you have very young children, use a smoke detector that comes with a built-in voice recorder and speaker. By recording your own voice, the detector can play your voice to wake up your children who may otherwise screen out the unfamiliar detector sounds.