Location of Smoke Alarms

Near Bedrooms

• Smoke detectors should be placed outside each bedroom door. This allows the detector to do its job and awaken each resident in the event of a fire.

Inside Bedrooms

• Smoke detectors should be placed in bedrooms when the doors are regularly closed. This is especially important if the individual smokes in bed. Closed doors can prevent a heavy sleeper from hearing the alarm and may keep smoke from a fire in the bedroom from reaching the detector.

Between Bedrooms

• If only one detector is used, it should be installed in the hallway between the bedrooms to maximize the chances that someone will hear the alarm and alert the others. If the house has multiple levels, there should be at least one detector per floor.

Heating Ducts

• Don't place detectors near heating ducts, as the heat may cause the detectors to go off accidentally. The vent also may keep smoke from reaching the detector, preventing it from going off.

Minimum Requirements

• A minimum of one detector per sleeping area is suggested so that an alarm will be located as close to sleepers as possible.