How Many Fire Alarms Should I Have in My Home?

7/19/2022 (Permalink)

Proper fire alarm placement is essential to prevent fire and smoke damage.

When it comes to fires, you can never be too safe. It's essential for you and every member of your White Bear Lake, MN, family to understand the facts about fire safety and prevention. You must also have an emergency plan in place. Part of this preparation means ensuring your home is adequately supplied in terms of fire alarm and fire extinguisher numbers throughout the house, as well as proper placement. Where should smoke alarms be placed throughout a home?

6 Tips to Consider When Placing Smoke Alarms Throughout a Home

1. Every Level of the Home

Fire detectors should be installed on every floor of your home. This includes your basement.

2. Every Bedroom

Many fires begin at night when people are typically sleeping. Therefore, every bedroom should have its own smoke alarm.

3. Outside Every Sleeping Area

In addition to every bedroom, a smoke alarm must be placed outside every sleeping area in your home.

4. Up High

Just as important as having the correct number of fire alarms is proper placement. After all, if they're not where they should be, or in areas where they shouldn't be, it'll risk them not detecting a fire or giving a false alarm. Firefighters and fire damage restoration specialists advised that fire detectors need to be high on the walls or on the ceilings since smoke and heat rise. 

5. Away From Cooking Appliances

The smoke alarm closest to the kitchen should be placed no closer than 10 feet from all cooking appliances. Otherwise, false alarms could happen regularly.

6. Away From Drafty Areas

Smoke detectors should be placed away from potentially drafty areas. Common areas with more air circulation include spaces with windows, doors, vents and ceiling fans.

Proper fire alarm numbers and placement is essential to prevent fire damage and smoke damage. Begin today creating your fire plan to avoid being a victim of the unthinkable.