The poisonous gases and smoke produced by a fire can numb the senses and put you into a deeper sleep. Inexpensive household smoke detectors sound an alarm, alerting you to a fire. By giving you time to escape, smoke detectors cut your risk of dying in a home fire nearly in half. Smoke detectors save so many lives that most states have laws requiring them in private homes. Choosing a Smoke Detector Be sure that the smoke detectors you buy carry the mark of an independent testing laboratory.
Several types are available.
All approved smoke detectors, regardless of type, will offer adequate protection provided they are installed and maintained properly. Every home should have a smoke detector outside each sleeping area and one on every level of the home, including the basement. NFPA also recommends that additional smoke detector be installed in living rooms, dens or family rooms, dining rooms, utility rooms and hallways. Because smoke rises, mount detectors high on a wall or on the ceiling. Wall mounted units should be mounted so that the top of the detector is 4 to 12 inches from the ceiling.