A smoke detector is a vital piece of safety equipment in any building. It is the first line of defense against fire, providing an early warning so you and your family can escape. But where should you install smoke detectors in your home? Here are five places to put smoke detectors to keep your family safe.
Install Smoke Detectors in the Bedrooms of Your Home
Install a smoke detector in every bedroom to alert sleeping family members if a fire breaks out in their room. You’ll also want a device installed outside the sleeping areas, including hallways and common areas. This device will alarm if a fire occurs elsewhere in the house.
Every Level of Your Home
Having at least one smoke detector on every level of your home is essential. If a fire begins upstairs and everyone in the downstairs living room you’ll hear the alarm from above. With devices on each floor, you will be alerted to a fire no matter where it starts.
In the Basement
A house fire can start in the basement, so it is crucial to have a smoke detector there. To be alerted to a fire downstairs, install the device on the ceiling near the bottom of the stairs.
Smoke Detector Placement in the Home: Kitchen
The kitchen is the most common place for a house fire to start. However, it’s also the room where smoke detectors are missing or deactivated. To reduce the occurrence of false alarms when cooking, install your kitchen detector 10 to 12 feet away from cooking appliances.
In the Laundry Room
Many house fires originate from the dryer. The combination of heat from the appliance and dryer lint can cause the material to ignite. Install a smoke detector in your laundry room or just outside the room to warn your family in case a dryer fire starts in your home.
Installing Smoke Detectors in the Home
These are a few of the most important places to install smoke detectors in your home. When installing detectors, place them on the ceiling or high on the wall, close to the ceiling. Do not install them near doors, windows, ceiling fans, or HVAC vents. The airflow can interfere with the device’s ability to detect smoke.
To keep your family and property safe, test the devices once each month and replace the batteries as necessary. With working smoke detectors, you can rest assured that your family will receive a warning in the event of a fire.
Oasis Home Inspections offers inspection services to customers in Brevard County, Florida. Contact us to schedule an appointment.