Where to put Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors in a house is a very important factor that should be considered whether you are selling, purchasing a house or just maintaining your current property. Safety and your families wellbeing should always be a priority
Where to put Residential Smoke Detectors?
The placement and location of smoke detectors in a home depend on the home's size and layout. The reason for having smoke detectors is to wake people up while sleeping if a fire occurs and worn occupants about emanate danger. Smoke detectors should be placed on the upper part of the wall not on the ceiling, in each bedroom and additional detectors in hallways outside bedrooms within 5 feet from the door of these bedrooms. Smoke detectors should also be placed in kitchens away from the stove, living rooms, top of stairways, the entrance of attached garages, and, in general, every level of a home.
What type of smoke detector should I use?
Smoke detectors can be independently operated when they work with batteries, and they can be connected to the primary electrical connection of a home "hardwired" and have a backup battery supply. To better choose a smoke detector for your home, talk with your local fire department to comply with your local laws, regulations and fire code for your area.
Maintenance?
Smoke detectors should regularly be tested to make sure they are working properly, and batteries should be changed at least twice a year.
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide a colorless, odorless gas that is produced by furnaces, hot water heaters, fireplaces and automobiles.
Where to put Carbon Monoxide detectors in a house?
• They should be installed at each level of a home, in the basement and near an attached garage
• outside each sleeping area of a home within 10 - 15 feet
• Fallow manufactures installation instructions
• Do not install detectors within 10 - 20 feet of a fire place, or other fuel burning appliance or source.
• They should not be placed in humid areas, such as bathrooms
• They should not be placed in areas that they will be damaged by children or pets.
• Should not be installed in areas that have elevated temperatures, or extreme sunlight
• They should not be installed behind curtains or other obstructions
• They will not function correctly if placed near ceiling fans, windows, heat vents, air conditioners, fresh air returns.
• Never run your car in a closed garage.
• Make sure fuel burning appliances are installed by a professional and that they are working properly.
• Choose vented appliances when possible.
• Never use a gas range or oven to heat your home.
• Have your heating system and chimneys inspected each year.
• During winter months check frequently that vents, flues and chimneys are not blocked by snow or ice.
• Replace dirty air filters on heating and cooling systems.
• Never run a generator, power washer, or any diesel or gasoline-powered engine inside a basement, garage or other enclosed structure.
• Keep your home well ventilated - Install ventilation for indoor combustion appliances and consider installing air exchanges or air conditioning if your home is tightly sealed.
• Never use a charcoal grill, hibachi, or camping lantern or portable stove inside your home, tent or camper.
I recommend checking with your local authority to obtain additional and specific recommendations
What are symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisonings?
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
More severe symptoms may occur
• Mental confusion
• Nausea
• Loss of muscle coordination
• Loss of consciousness
• Ultimately death
Amanda's Law
Amanda was a named after Amanda Hansen, a Buffalo NY State teenage resident who lost her life due to carbon monoxide poisoning from a defective boiler when sleeping over at friend’s home. This law went into effect February 22 of 2010, to help families avoid the number 1 cause of deaths in the United States, "Carbon Monoxide Poisoning". More information visit http://www.amandaslaw.org/
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