12 Oct Fire Prevention Week – Day 4
MACOMB, IL — Fire Prevention Week – Day 4
Installing your smoke alarm
NFPA explains the first step is to choose smoke alarms that have a label of a recognized testing laboratory. Also, it is important to purchase alarms that are all from the same manufacturer, to ensure interconnection is compatible. The NFPA also lists some important installation information:
- Install smoke alarms inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement.
- On levels without bedrooms, install alarms in the living room (or den or family room) or near the stairway to the upper level, or in both locations.
- Mount smoke alarms high on walls or ceilings (remember, smoke rises). Wall-mounted alarms should be installed not more than 12 inches away from the ceiling (to the top of the alarm).
- If you have ceilings that are pitched, install the alarm within 3 feet of the peak but not within the apex of the peak (four inches down from the peak).
- Don’t install smoke alarms near windows, doors, or ducts where drafts might interfere with their operation.
For more information on installing smoke alarms, visit:
http://www.nfpa.org/public-education/by-topic/smoke-alarms/installing-and-maintaining-smoke-alarms