How Many Smoke Alarms Do I Need in My House?

When it comes to protecting your family, the first step is to be prepared. Smoke alarms are your first line of defense against a house fire by providing your family with an early alert, giving them time to safely escape. At First Alert, we provide reliable protection you can trust to help protect what matters most. Do you know how many smoke alarms your home needs to be fully protected and what type is best for your needs? Here’s what you should know:

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home, including the basement. Fire detectors should also be installed inside of every bedroom and outside of each sleeping area. For example, a two-story home with three bedrooms should have at least seven smoke alarms. Homes that have a set number of hardwired alarms can still place additional battery-operated smoke alarms throughout the house. There is no such thing as having too many smoke alarms in your home! Just make sure fire detectors are properly placed in each area.

Where Do I Install Smoke Alarms?

In order for smoke alarms to perform best in your home, they need to be properly installed in each room. In the kitchen, smoke detectors should be installed at least 10 feet away from cooking appliances to minimize the number of false alarms. Smoke rises, so smoke alarms should be placed high on walls or ceilings. If you are installing a battery-operated smoke alarm on a wall, the top of the alarm should not be installed more than 12 inches from the ceiling. Keep in mind that fire alarms should not be placed too close to vents, ceiling fans, or windows in order for them to properly work. Also, remember to test your alarms monthly to ensure they are functioning correctly and replace the detector's batteries every 6 months.

What Type of Smoke Alarm Should I Have?

There are many different types of smoke detectors, such as battery-operated smoke alarms, hardwired alarms, interconnected smoke alarms, combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and more! Browse our selection of smoke and fire alarms to learn more about which alarms are best for your home to help protect your family.