Where Do You Need Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors?

There are lots of things you have to maintain in your home – like your air conditioning and your plumbing. But what about the devices that keep you and your family safe? You need to know a few critical facts about how to protect yourself from fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. And it’s not enough to simply have alarms installed in your home. They have to be in the right places. Check out these guidelines from your local fire department at Lancaster County Fire Rescue.

Where Should Smoke Detectors Be Installed in Your Home?

There are certain places where smoke detectors should always be installed. Make sure every bedroom in your home has an alarm. The hallways outside your bedrooms also need detectors. This way, if a fire breaks out in another part of the house, you’ll know about it – even if your bedroom door is shut. Put one in the kitchen, too, since cooking is one of the leading causes of house fires. Finally, make sure you have at least one smoke alarm on every floor of your home, including the basement.

Where Should Carbon Monoxide Detectors Be Installed in Your Home?

Carbon monoxide detectors are just as important as smoke alarms. However, since the risk of CO poisoning isn’t as high, you’ll need fewer of these devices in your home. Install one outside of each bedroom. You may also want to place one in your garage or other areas where carbon monoxide could build up.

How Can You Make Sure Your Detectors Are Working Properly?

No matter how many of these alarms you’ve installed, they won’t do you any good if they aren’t in good working condition. Take a few minutes each month to test them. If your smoke or carbon monoxide detectors have batteries, be sure to swap them out each year. Replace the alarms with new units every 10 years.

When in Doubt, Ask Your Local Fire Department

Follow these suggestions and you’ll be well on your way to a safer, happier home. If you have any doubts about where you need these life-saving devices in your home, call your local fire department. The volunteer firefighters at Lancaster County Fire Rescue want you and your family to be as safe as possible.