HOME SMOKE ALARMS

How many do you need?

Install smoke alarms on every floor of your home...and near or inside all sleeping areas.  It is recommended that alarms be wired together if one sounds, they all sound.

On floors without bedrooms, install alarms near the stairway leading to the floor above, in or near dens, living rooms, family rooms and other living areas.

Don't install alarms in kitchens, bathrooms or garages --- where nuisance alarms go off routinely.

Where to install?

Smoke rises.  Mount alarms high on a wall or on the ceiling.

     Wall mounting:  Position the top of the alarm 4 to 12 inches (10 to 30 cm) from the ceiling.

     Ceiling mounting:  Position alarms at least 4 inches (10 cm) away from the nearest wall.

     Pitched ceiling mounting:  Mount the alarm at or near the ceiling's highest point.

In open stairways (no doors at top or bottom):  Mount alarm anywhere along the path smoke would travel up the stairs.

In closed stairways (a door at either end):  Mount alarm at the bottom of the stairway.

*Don't mount an alarm near a window, outside door or forced-air register.