How to Select the right Number of Smoke Detectors for a Home

To keep your family safe and alert if a fire were to occur in your home, it is best to have more than one smoke detector in your home. Some homes might not come with preinstalled smoke detectors and may require new occupants to purchase smoke detectors. If you have never had to purchase smoke detectors before, here are some tips no how to select the right number of smoke detectors for a home.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Determine the number of bedrooms in your home. This number will affect the number of smoke detectors you need to purchase because each bedroom should have one.
2. Know how many levels your home has. Split levels included, there should be a minimum of one per level of your home, not including the bedroom detectors.
3. Determine the number of permanent residents for your home. There should be about one smoke detector per person in the home, if not more.
4. Decide if one is needed for your kitchen. If your family uses the oven or stove top often, one smoke detector close to, but not in, your kitchen might be a good idea.
5. Determine any extra smoke detectors needed. Other rooms that may need smoke detectors include garages, guest bedrooms, and other living areas.

Tips & Warnings

• The smoke detectors for bedrooms should be placed close enough to the bedroom that they can be heard with the bedroom door closed.
• For larger homes, it is suggested that you have more than one extra detector per level.
• Do not place smoke detectors directly in bathrooms or kitchens because they are more frequently to be set off accidently here.

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