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| Smoke Detector Placement |
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Most homes have one or more stairways. Heat from fire
will carry smoke and toxic gases upward into stairs. A
smoke detector is needed at the head (top) of
each
stairway including the basement, as shown in Figure 3.
Stairs are usually a common path of exit and must be
preserved as a possible escape route. Alternate escape
routes should be planned and practiced during a fire
drill at home. Note: A smoke detector is not required in
stairs going to unoccupied areas, e.g., attic.
How-To change your smoke & CO detector batteries available here: Large format (640x480) Small format (320x120)
Where to locate the basic smoke detector
The major threat from a fire in a dwelling is at night
when everyone is asleep. The principal threat to persons
in sleeping areas comes from fires in the remainder of
the house, therefore, basic smoke detector(s) are best
located between the bedroom areas and the rest of the
house. In homes with only one bedroom area on one floor,
the basic smoke detector shall be located as shown in
Figure 1.
Figure 1. A basic smoke detector (indicated by cross) shall be located between the sleeping area and the rest of the house. 
Homes with more than one detector
In homes with more than one sleeping area or with
bedrooms on more than one floor, more than one basic
smoke detector will be needed as shown in Figure 2.
Location of the smoke detector outside the bedrooms
presupposes that the occupants sleep with their doors
shut to provide a barrier to the smoke thus gaining
additional seconds for escape.
Figure 2. In homes with more than one sleeping area, a
smoke detector (indicated by cross) should be provided
to protect each.
Homes with stairways
Figure 3. In homes with stairs a smoke detector
(indicated by cross) should be at the head (top) of
each.
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| Copyright 2007, Bella Vista Fire Department |