17
or other appropriate national standards for installation recommendations.
• Do not locate smoke detectors at the top of peaked or gabled ceilings; the dead air
space in these locations may prevent the unit from detecting smoke.
• Avoid areas with turbulent air flow, such as near doors, fans or windows. Rapid air move-
ment around the detector may prevent smoke from entering the unit.
• Do not locate detectors in areas of high humidity.
• Do not locate detectors in areas where the temperature rises above 38
o
C
(100
o
F) or falls
below 5
o
C (41
o
F).
Smoke detectors should always be installed in USA in accordance with Chapter 11 of NFPA
72, the National Fire Alarm Code: 11.5.1.1. Where required by applicable laws, codes, or
standards for a specific type of occupancy, approved single- and multiple-station smoke
alarms shall be installed as follows:
(1) In all sleeping rooms and guest rooms.
(2) Outside of each separate dwelling unit sleeping area, within 6.4 m (21 ft) of any door to a
sleeping room, the distance measured along a path of travel.
(3) On every level of a dwelling unit, including basements.
(4) On every level of a residential board and care occupancy (small facility), including basements
and excluding crawl spaces and unfinished attics.
(5) In the living area(s) of a guest suite.
(6) In the living area(s) of a residential board and care occupancy (small facility).
Household Fire Safety Audit
Read this section carefully for important information about fire safety.
Most fires occur in the home. To minimize this danger, we recommend that a household fire
safety audit be conducted and a fire escape plan be developed.
1. Are all electrical appliances and outlets in a safe condition? Check for frayed cords,
overloaded lighting circuits, etc. If you are uncertain about the condition of your electri-
cal appliances or household service, have a professional evaluate these units.
2. Are all flammable liquids stored safely in closed containers in a well-ventilated cool
area? Cleaning with flammable liquids should be avoided.
3. Are fire-hazardous materials (e.g., matches) well out of reach of children?
4. Are furnaces and wood-burning appliances properly installed, clean and in good work-
ing order? Have a professional evaluate these appliances.
Fire Escape Planning
There is often very little time between the detection of a fire and the time it becomes deadly.
It is thus very important that a family escape plan be developed and rehearsed.
Figure 2
Figure 3
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