The plan should include 2 escape routes from every area in the home, in the event the fire blocks 1, and a meeting place outside the home. You can contact your local Fire Department for additional fire safety tips and information. Smoke detectors sense the presence of smoke. There are 2 basic types, Ionization, and Photoelectric. Either type will work well in a home system.
Smoke detectors can also have a fixed temperature heat detector built in.
Smoke detectors should be located on each floor and by every sleeping area. It is important that all smoke detectors be cleaned annually and tested periodically. Fixed temperature heat detectors will sound the alarm when the temperature at the detector reaches a pre-set limit, typically 135 or 200 degrees. These devices are generally used in attics, boiler rooms, or garages. Rate of rise heat detectors will sound the alarm if the temperature at the detector increases at a very rapid rate, typically 15 degrees per minute.