Where Should You Put Your Smoke Detector at a Condo?
Smoke detectors in houses, apartments and condos save lives. Smoke detectors, when correctly positioned inside your condominium, can provide enough warning of a fire danger to enable you to escape. While most communities today mandate setup of a particular quantity and type of smoke detectors in all kinds of residences, you could always add more smoke detectors to your condominium for increased safety.
Close Bedrooms
Most local codes need smoke detectors mounted on the ceiling inside 15 feet of any bedroom door, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Here, the smoke detector will sound an alarm if smoke is sensed in the condominium before the bedroom exit itself is directly compromised, letting you escape. You may even mount the smoke detector in the bedroom itself, a good idea if the bedroom door is often shut.
On All Degrees and Staircases
A minumum of one smoke detector ought to be located on every level of the condominium, including the cellar. It’s also a good idea to place a smoke detector on the ceiling in the mid-point or surface of any stairs, after the path which fire might take as it warms up the stairs.
Not in the Kitchen
While a kitchen can be a significant source of fires, it often doesn’t cover to place a smoke detector directly in the kitchen due to the probability of too many false alarms brought on by minor incidents such as burnt toast. Install a smoke detector in a room adjacent to the kitchen.
From the Garage
If your condominium unit contains an attached garage, place a smoke detector in the ceiling of the vestibule between your condominium and the garage. This smoke detector will give an early warning of any fires in the garage.
Away From Air Vents and Drafts
Install smoke detectors well away from any heating or other air vents in the walls or ceilings, and away from windows and doors. Such vents, windows and doors may interfere with smoke detection.
Near Electrical Lines
Hardwired smoke detectors are always preferable to battery-operated versions, according to State Farm Insurance and the National Fire Protection Association. Install hardwired units in ceilings near present electrical lines which run overhead lighting fixtures. Just make sure that the smoke detectors are attached to some “constant on” electrical line which can’t be closed off by any wall change.