According to the National Fire Protection Association, 92 percent of all homes in America have smoke detectors installed. However, over one third (1/3) of these do not work. A dead or missing battery is the primary cause for smoke detector failure. 

• A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
• Smoke alarms should be installed inside every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level. Smoke alarms should be connected so when one sounds, they all sound. Most homes do not have this level of protection.
• Roughly 3 out of 5 fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
• The majority of fatal home fires occur at night while people are sleeping. In addition, the poisonous gases and smoke from a fire will overcome you in a short period of time.  Multiple sources indicate that a smoke detector can decrease your chances of dying in a fire by up to 50%.

• For wall mount (Place 12 inches from the ceiling) 
• For ceiling mount (Place at least 12 inches from any wall) 
• On high pitch ceilings (Place 3 feet from the highest point) 
• Don't install near window, door, air register, or ceiling fan. 
• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom. There should also be a minimum of one detector outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. 
• A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall. Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms. They should be at least 10 feet (3 meters) from the stove
• The following video shows guidance on how to install a Smoke Detector  https://vimeo.com/267885776

• Change battery twice a year or when chirping. We suggest you change the battery in the spring and fall, when you change the time on your clock. 
• Test smoke detector once a month.
• Always follow the manufacturers recommendations. 
• The National Fire Protection Association recommends that you replace your battery operated detector every ten years. 

• Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
• It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms. When one smoke alarm sounds, they all sound.
• Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
• Current alarms on the market employ different types of technology including multi-sensing, which could include smoke and carbon monoxide  combined.
• Today’s smoke alarms will be more technologically advanced to respond to a multitude of fire conditions, yet mitigate false alarms.
• People who are hard-of-hearing or deaf can use special alarms. These alarms have strobe lights and bed shakers.

Smoke detectors can be found at many home improvement and retail stores. There are many brands and several different features. You should do research to determine which one is best suited for your home.

For more information visit: 

NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION

nfpa.org/education