Keep Your Family Safe - Smoke Detector Primer

     One thing I can say with all certainty, there is never a dull moment in the home inspection business. Just when I think that I have seen it all, someone comes up with a new twist. All I can say is ‘Bless their hearts . . . there is a right way and a wrong way to install smoke detectors and this is not the right way as this one was installed only 4’ above floor level. Below are some guidelines for choosing and installing smoke detectors:
    1) Choose only UL approved devices
    2) Install smoke detectors in every sleeping area or outside every sleeping area
    3) Install a smoke detector on every level of the property including basements or crawlspace if there is a furnace installed.
    4) Install a smoke detector in the garage especially if there is a living space above.
    5) Do not install smoke detectors in kitchens. If you do, make sure they are at least 10 feet from cooking appliances.
    6) Install a smoke detector a minimum of 3 feet from the apex of a sharp pitched ceiling or not more than 12 inches from a flat ceiling.
    7) Do not paint smoke detectors.
    8) Do not install next to doors, windows or duct work.
    9) When possible, make sure all detectors are from the same manufacturer and are interconnected either wirelessly or hard wired.
    10) Install dual sensor alarms as they can detect both smoldering as well as flaming fires.
    Follow these 10 suggestions to keep both you and your family safe.

;-}

It is a GREAT day at Complete Home Inspections!