Where to Install Smoke Detectors

The Kitchen

• The kitchen should be a top priority for installing a smoke detector. The kitchen is where you have a likely chance of fire. An oven accidentally left on or something accidentally left on the stovetop burner can cause fires. Having a smoke detector here quickly alerts you of the hazard, and you may be able to extinguish it before it gets out of control.

  There is an ongoing debate even within the fire professional community about what type of smoke detector should be used in the kitchen. A heat detector should be used if you are having "false alarms" with a normal smoke detector.

Bedrooms

• You should have a smoke detector installed close to bedrooms. If bedrooms are adjacent to each other, have one in the hall between the bedrooms. If the bedrooms are not adjacent and perhaps on separate floors, a smoke detector at each door is a consideration.

Living Room

• The living room is another location for a smoke detector. Many appliances such as televisions, cable boxes and lamps are plugged into many outlets. An overload could cause an unexpected electrical fire. Having a smoke alarm in the living room will quickly awaken people in the house so they can get out to safety.

Home Office

• It is a good idea to have a smoke detector in your home office. Usually this is an unused bedroom. Computers and printers are often left on, which could cause electrical overloads.

Stairways

• If you live in a multilevel house, it is a good idea to have a smoke detector at the top of the stairway. Smoke from a fire travels up. A smoke detector at the bottom of a stairway will do no good if the fire is upstairs.

More Tips

• Remember to change the batteries in the smoke detector at least once per year. Most people do this during daylight savings time as a reminder. Test your fire detector every six months by pressing the test button located on the underside of most smoke alarms.

  Also invest in home fire extinguishers, especially for the kitchen. Periodically inspect them to make sure they are fully charged. Having these fire safety systems is a great way to protect you and your family from unexpected home fires.