Smoke Alarm Safety

Approximately 97% of U.S. homes have at least one smoke alarm, but one usually isn't enough. Early warning is essential for every fire escape plan. To ensure my clients, friends, family, and neighbors will be effectively alerted to fire dangers, please read the following guidelines about installing and testing smoke alarms:

Only purchase smoke alarms that are listed by UL (Underwriters Laboratories) and carry the UL mark on packaging.

Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement.

Install additional smoke alarms inside all bedrooms.

Smoke rises, so smoke alarms should be mounted high on walls or ceilings. Ceiling-mounted alarms should be installed at least 4 inches away from the nearest wall; wall-mounted alarms should be installed 4 inches to 12 inches away from the ceiling.

Choose an installation location that is well away from the path of steam from bathrooms and cooking vapors from the kitchen, which can result in false alarms. Consider heat alarms for these areas.

Don't install smoke alarms near windows, doors or ducts where drafts might interfere with their operation.

Test smoke alarms at least once a month, following the manufacturer's instructions. Install fresh batteries twice a year. An easy reminder is to replace batteries in the Spring and Fall when the Daylight Savings (on/off) occurs.

The Home Safety Council (homesafetycouncil.org) recommends using hard-wired, interconnected smoke alarms with battery back-up. These alarms run on household wiring and are tied in together so that if one alarm operates, they all signal together.

Smoke alarms should be replaced at least once every 10 years.