Smoke detectors can be battery-operated or connected directly into a 110 volt AC current system and can be obtained at most hardware, lighting or other building stores. An electric stove is preferable to a gas stove, but a gas stove equipped with an automatic pilot improves the safety. Commercial gas detectors are available. If the house uses propane or natural gas, there should be an appropriate gas detector at each location where a gas leak might exist and cause a problem. Propane gas and regular gasoline are heavier than air, and so detectors for these substances should be placed near the floor.
Natural gas is lighter than air and rises as does smoke.
Detectors for these substances should be placed at high points such as the ceiling, top of the stairwell, etc. Propane detectors are available through propane dealers, recreational vehicle dealers, and marine stores. Natural gas detectors, propane detectors and gasoline detectors are all available through marine facilities. Care should be taken in preparing food, particularly left-overs, since undetected, spoiled food can be hazardous.