In the Bedrooms
Because people are usually less alert in the bedrooms, install a smoke detector in each sleeping area. Whether sleeping or lounging and watching television, alarms are less likely to be heard unless they are in the immediate area. If someone enjoys dozing off on the couch, make sure there is a detector in the living room.
A smoke detector should be placed in the hallway outside of bedrooms to provide an early alert in case a fire starts elsewhere in the home.
Smoke Detector Placement in the Kitchen
The kitchen is the most common area for a house fire to begin. Unfortunately, it is also the room where the detector is most likely to be deactivated because of false alarms. Install your kitchen detector 10 to 12 feet away from any cooking appliances. This will help to prevent false alarms while still sounding in case of an actual fire.
Fire Can Occur in the Laundry Room
The laundry room is also a place where fire can break out. The heat of the clothes drying machine combined with dryer lint can start a fire. Make sure you have a detector in the laundry area to provide an early warning.
Other Areas for Smoke Detector Placement
Generally, it is recommended that at least one smoke detector is on each floor of the home. These devices should be installed on the ceiling or high on the wall, between 4 and 12 inches from the ceiling. Install one in the basement and garage as well and make sure there is a working smoke detector near your furnace.
Set a reminder to test your smoke detectors monthly and replace the batteries twice each year. A great way to remember battery replacement is to change them when Daylight Savings Time begins and ends.
Appalachian Home Inspection Inc. provides home inspections in Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina. Contact us to schedule an appointment.