Having smoke detectors with working batteries placed throughout your home is an important component of fire safety, but in order for them to be most effective, it also makes a difference where they’re placed.
Fortunately, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has some pointers that will take the guesswork out of installing smoke detectors in your home. Here’s what to know.
Where to install smoke detectors in your home
Whether you’re reassessing your home’s safety features, or putting smoke detectors up for the first time, here’s where to install them, per the NFPA:
By room and level
You’ll need smoke detectors on each level of your home, including the basement.
- Bedrooms: In addition to placing a smoke detector outside each sleeping area in your home, install one inside each bedroom as well
- Living room, den, or family room: At least one smoke detector is needed either in the room, near the stairway to the upper level, or in both places
- Kitchen: To prevent setting off the smoke alarm every time you burn toast, install one at least 10 feet away from cooking appliances
- Basement: Place a smoke detector on the ceiling at the bottom of the stairs leading to the next level of the home
General placement tips
Smoke rises, so smoke detectors are most effective mounted on ceilings or high up on walls, within 12 inches of the ceiling. But also keep in mind that you shouldn’t place them too close to exterior doors, ducts, windows, or any other areas that might be drafty, as it may make the alarms less effective.
Ideally, all the smoke detectors in your home should be interconnected either through hard-wiring or wireless technology. This means that when smoke is detected in one part of the house, the alarms will go off throughout the home, on all levels.
Want more information on installing smoke detectors? The NFPA website has additional resources to help you keep you home safe.