How Many Smoke Detectors Do I Need?

Where Should the Smoke Detectors Be Placed?

• The U.S. Fire Administration recommends that there be at least one smoke detector on every floor, and in some cases more than one. If an individual sleeps with the bedroom door closed, there needs to be an additional smoke detector inside the bedroom. While closing the door prevents the smoke from entering the room, it also prevents the smoke detector from picking up smoke in the bedroom.

Where Not to Place Alarms

• There are several locations in the home where fire alarms should not be placed. Two such locations are the kitchen and the garage because smoke and fumes can set off an inordinate amount of false alarms. Also, attics and crawl spaces that are not serviced by heat and air conditioning do not need them because the temperature may become to hot or cold for the detector to work. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, fires that start in these locations are detected by other alarms quickly enough.

Working Alarms

• Also important is how many working smoke detectors are present. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, it is estimated that about one-third of all smoke alarms do not function. A defunct smoke detector is no better than no smoke detector. In fact, non-functioning smoke alarms offer a false sense of security. Alarms should be tested once a month and replaced at least every 10 years, even if the alarm still functions.