Steps for Installing A Smoke Detector

The carbon monoxide produced from smoke can cause people to go into a deeper sleep. A smoke detector can wake a person up and save lives. Follow these steps to protect yourself and your family.

Steps:

1) Walk through your home and locate the areas where you want to mount smoke detectors. Detectors should be mounted only inside bedrooms, outside of bedrooms and in hallways leading to bedrooms.

2) Grab your ladder and mount smoke detectors high - on a wall or on the ceiling - though the ceiling mount is preferable, because they will go off sooner.

3) Be sure when attaching to the wall, place it 4-12 inches from the ceiling and in turn, mount ceiling detectors 4 inches from the wall. Smoke rises, so if you have a odd-shaped ceiling, opt for the highest point on the ceiling to place the detector.
4) Avoid mounting smoke detectors near windows or doors, where smoke can escape before reaching the detector.

5) According to FEMA, "Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement. " Avoid mounting smoke detectors in kitchens, dining rooms or living rooms. Smoke and steam from cooking, fireplaces, candles and so on can cause false alarms.

6) Follow the directions on the package for mounting the smoke detector once you've chosen the area for the device. You'll most likely need a drill and a screwdriver.

7) Make sure a qualified electrician mounts the device if you choose to go with a detector that will be hardwired to your home's electrical system. Electricians aren't that expensive, especially for something little like a smoke detector. They range in price. Check the link above to search for an electrician near you.

Helpful Tips

· Test your smoke detector monthly. If it runs on batteries, change them when you change your clocks - at the start and end of daylight-saving time.
· You may want to consider purchasing a combination smoke and carbon monoxide detector. They are more money, but well worth it.
· Replace all detectors after 10 years.