Smoke Detector Savvy

Smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a house fire almost in half, according to the National Fire Protection Association. That's reason enough to put these safety devices to work in your house. And here's a bit of extra incentive: today's crop of battery-powered models are simple, inexpensive and easy to install. Even more important, they're not affected by power outages. Here's how and where to install them for the best overall protection.

Where to Install Smoke Detectors
Every level of the home needs smoke detectors, including the basement and attic. Place one in each bedroom and one in the hallway outside the bedrooms. You need a detector in each living area, such as the den or dining room. The top of a stairway also needs a detector, unless it's connected to a hallway with its own detector.

When planning smoke detector locations, avoid spots where smoke can be routed away from the alarm's sensor, such as near doors, windows or fireplaces. Don't place them in corners or other "dead" air spaces, where air doesn't circulate well. Keep ceiling-mounted detectors at least 4 inches away from any wall. Locate wall-mounted detectors 6 to 12 inches away from the ceiling.

What Type to Buy
There are two types of smoke detectors, and the type you choose depends on where it will be installed. Ionization models electrically charge the air inside the unit, triggering an alarm when smoke particles interfere with the electrical current in the air. Since these detectors respond more quickly to the smoke from flaming fires, they're prone to false alarms when located close to a gas range. They're fine in other locations. Photoelectric detectors rely on a light focused on a sensor for smoke detection. These detectors respond more quickly to smoldering, smoking fires, and are generally better to use around gas-fired appliances.

Installation
Remove the cover from the unit and hold the base against the wall or ceiling where you want to install it. Mark the mounting holes with a pencil. Drill pilot holes and attach the base with the screws that come with the unit. Make sure the alarm has a working battery (usually a 9-volt) and snap the cover in place.

Test your smoke detector immediately after installation, and then a couple of times a year after that. Schedule regular checks at the same times every year, like the daylight savings time. Most detectors have a button for testing the alarm. If yours doesn't, try holding a lit candle under the unit. Change the batteries yearly or when you hear the low-battery warning (usually a chirping sound), whichever comes first.