Every Bedroom
Because people aren’t alert when they are sleeping, it’s necessary to have a functioning smoke detector in each bedroom. Install the detectors on or close to the ceiling and away from windows and HVAC vents.
In the Hallway
It’s important to install a smoke detector in the hallway outside of each bedroom. This way, if a fire breaks out elsewhere in the home, sleeping residents will be alerted before the smoke gets to their room.
Proper Placement for Kitchen Smoke Detectors
Often homeowners uninstall or deactivate the smoke alarm in the kitchen. Because the majority of house fires start in the kitchen, this practice is unsafe. To reduce the chance of a false alarm, place your kitchen smoke detector at least 10 feet away from any cooking appliance.
Install a Detector in the Garage
If a fire breaks out in the garage, people in the home may become aware of it too late. Make sure there is a working smoke detector in the garage to provide an early warning to your family members.
Smoke Detectors in the Stairwells
Every level of the home should have at least one detecting device. Smoke alarms at the top of the stairwell will alert people in the home that there is a fire on another level.
Laundry Area Smoke Detector Placement
The clothes dryer is a cause of fires because of the potential for lint to build up and ignite. Install a smoke detector in the laundry room to warn of fire in that area of the home.
Smoke detector placement is important to provide an early alert to smoke and fire. Make sure your devices are working by testing them once a month. At least twice a year, replace the batteries and replace the devices every decade.
Rambo Inspection Services provides home inspections for Chicagoland. If you’re buying or selling a home, contact us to book an appointment.