Inside Each Bedroom

Smoke alarms must be inside every room where people sleep. Closed doors can prevent you from hearing alarms in other rooms.

Outside Sleeping Areas

Install alarms in hallways outside bedrooms and sleeping areas to provide early warning.

Every Level

Install at least one alarm on every floor, including basement and attic spaces that are used.

Additional Locations

• Top of stairways
• Living rooms
• Near furnace rooms
• Large homes may need more

Basement & Attic

• Bottom of stairs to upper levels
• Near laundry or utility areas
• In finished attic spaces
• Near electrical panels

Multi-Story Homes

• At least one per floor minimum
• Top and bottom of every staircase
• In attached garage entryway
• Interconnect all alarms if possible

Ceiling Mount (Preferred)

• Mount in center of ceiling
• At least 4 inches from wall
• Best position for smoke detection
• Smoke rises — ceiling catches it first

Wall Mount (If Necessary)

• 4-12 inches below ceiling
• Never in corners (dead air space)
• Follow manufacturer instructions
• Acceptable when ceiling mount not possible

Where NOT to Install

• Within 10 feet of cooking appliances
• In bathrooms (steam causes false alarms)
• Near windows, doors, or ducts
• In unheated or high-humidity areas

Ionization Alarms

• Best for: Fast-flaming fires
• Quick response to flames
• Most common type
• Less expensive

Photoelectric Alarms

• Best for: Smoldering fires
• Earlier warning for slow fires
• Fewer false alarms near kitchens
• Recommended for near cooking areas

Dual-Sensor Alarms (Recommended)

• Best protection – combines both types
• Detects all fire types
• NFPA recommendation
• Slightly more expensive

Monthly

TEST YOUR ALARMS

• Press and hold test button
• Should emit loud beep
• Test all alarms in home
• If no sound, replace battery or unit

Annually

REPLACE BATTERIES

• Replace batteries once a year
• Good time: daylight saving time
• Use correct battery type
• Don’t use rechargeable batteries

Every 6 Months

CLEAN YOUR ALARMS

• Vacuum dust and cobwebs
• Use soft brush attachment
• Don’t use water or cleaning products
• Clean inside and outside

Every 10 Years

REPLACE THE ENTIRE UNIT

• Sensors degrade over time
• Replace after 10 years max
• Check manufacture date on back
• Consider 10-year sealed battery units

False Alarms

DON’T DISABLE — FIX

• Relocate if too close to kitchen
• Switch to photoelectric near cooking
• Use hush button, not battery removal
• Clean alarm — dust causes false trips

Record Keeping

TRACK YOUR ALARMS

• Note install date on each alarm
• Mark battery change dates
• Set phone reminders for testing
• Keep receipts for warranty claims

Required Locations

• Outside each sleeping area
• On every level including basement
• Near attached garages
• Near fuel-burning appliances

Placement Height

• Wall-mount: 5 feet above floor
• Can be on ceiling
• Follow manufacturer instructions
• CO mixes with air at all levels

Where NOT to Install

• Within 15 feet of fuel-burning appliances
• In bathrooms or near steam
• Near windows or vents
• In kitchens (cooking fumes interfere)

Sources of CO

• Gas furnaces and water heaters
• Fireplaces and wood stoves
• Gas appliances
• Vehicles in attached garages

Seasonal Risks

• Winter: furnaces, space heaters run more
• Power outages: generator misuse spikes
• Snow can block exterior vents
• Test alarms before heating season

Digital Display Models

• Show real-time CO levels in PPM
• Detect low-level chronic exposure
• Peak level memory feature
• Recommended for homes with gas appliances

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED:

1. EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY – Get everyone out and to fresh air
2. Call 911 from outside or neighbor’s home
3. DO NOT re-enter until fire department clears the building
4. Seek medical attention if anyone has symptoms

CO Poisoning Symptoms:

• Headache, dizziness, nausea
• Confusion, weakness
• Chest pain, vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms (but no fever)

Monthly: Test

Press test button to verify alarm works

Annually: Batteries

Replace batteries unless sealed unit

5-7 Years: Replace

Replace entire unit per manufacturer specs

Ongoing: Vent Checks

Keep exterior vents clear of snow, debris, and nests

Hearing Impaired

• Strobe light alarms
• Bed shaker alarms
• Extra-loud alarms
• Low-frequency alarms

Visual Impairments

• Extra-loud audible alarms
• Voice alarms with location info
• Tactile notification devices

Mobility Limitations

• Interconnected alarms for early warning
• Alarms in all rooms
• Alert neighbors/caregivers