Where to Install Smoke Alarms in Your Home | SERVPRO® of Beaver County

12/14/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke detector placement can make all the difference in the event of a fire.

Having an adequate amount of smoke detectors is so important, but so is making sure that they
are placed in the right areas of the home. It is estimated that about 60% of all home fire deaths
occur due to inadequate or malfunctioned smoke alarms, but this is a tragedy that is entirely
preventable as long as you are sure to do your research.
When installing smoke alarms, it is vital to make sure they are placed in the proper areas of the
home to alert your family to a fire as soon as it begins. Because you only have about two
minutes to get out in the event of a house fire, this early alert can make all the difference in your
family’s safety.
### Where to Install Your Home’s Smoke Detectors
In some cases, there may be local building codes that differ in their smoke detector
recommendations. However, you can generally utilize the following guidance from the National
Fire Protection Association to make sure your household is covered.
Here are the places where you should be certain you are installing smoke detectors:

? Outside each sleeping area of the home and inside each individual bedroom
? On every level of the home (including the basement, if applicable)
? In the living room, dining room and any other main areas of the home
? Inside the kitchen and any other cooking areas
? Inside the garage or workshop space
### Tips for Installing Your Home’s Smoke Detectors
In addition to ensuring you are placing the smoke detectors in the right spot, it is also vital to be
certain you are placing them as effectively as possible with these helpful tips:
? Install smoke detectors at least 10 feet from cooking appliances.
? Do not place smoke detectors near windows, doors or vents that may interfere with their
detection.
? Never paint smoke alarms, as this could reduce their effectiveness.
? Install wall-mounted alarms no more than 12 inches from the ceiling.
? Place smoke alarms near stairways to upper levels if applicable.
? Interconnect all your smoke alarms if possible, so one sounding will set all the alarms in
the home off for extra safety.
? For peaked ceilings, install smoke alarms between four inches and three feet from the
apex of the peak.
*If your home has damage due to a household fire, we are the team you can count on. Get in
touch today to learn more about our fire restoration services and how we can help.*