In several instances, the battery-operated detectors were not mounted, but still alerted families to fire. Fire officials continually cite smoke detectors as life savers in home fires. Look for the following when selecting your home smoke detector. It should have a warning signal that warns you when bulbs or batteries need replacing. The batteries and bulb should be readily available for purchase and easy to replace.
Special detectors are available for hard of hearing persons.
At the bare minimum, you should have one detector for each level in your home. A detector needs to be placed within 10 feet of sleeping areas, since most fire deaths occur at night while people are sleeping. It should never be placed in the dead-air space, such as where wall and ceiling meet or in a corner. Nor should it be placed near heating ducts or cold air returns. The air flow around these areas could prevent the smoke-filled air from collecting in the detector in sufficient amounts as to activate it.