Where Should I Put My Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors?

As we enter the cold weather season here in Washington, it’s a good idea to talk about smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Using these appliances properly can literally be a matter of life or death. Ensure this season that you’re using your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors properly, especially in the case of an accidental fire or carbon monoxide leak.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has a lot of information about the correct placement of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, noting:

There are two types of smoke alarms – ionization and photoelectric. An ionization smoke alarm is generally more responsive to flaming fires, and a photoelectric smoke alarm is generally more responsive to smoldering fires. For the best protection, both types of alarms or combination ionization-photoelectric alarms, also known as dual sensor smoke alarms, are recommended.

The NFPA also reports that firefighters respond to an estimated 343,100 home structure fires each year. In these fires, they note, “These fires caused an annual average of 2,610 civilian deaths; 11,090 civilian fire injuries; and  $7.6 billion in direct property damage.”

Per the NFPA’s report, most fires are started by one of five common causes: “cooking, heating equipment, electrical distribution and lighting equipment, intentional fire setting, and smoking materials.”

Proper placement of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

The NFPA also provides the following guidance about smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors:

• You should only use smoke alarms with the “label of a recognized testing laboratory.”
• Smoke alarms should be placed inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and one on every level of the house, including the basement.
• Downstairs, install your alarm in the living room or family room, and near the stairway to the upper level of the house.
• In the basement, install your smoke alarms at the ceiling at the bottom of the stairs.
• Smoke detectors should be mounted high on the wall or on the ceiling, because smoke rises. If you mount yours on the wall, it should be no more than 12 inches from the ceiling.
• If you have pitched ceilings, place smoke alarms within three feet of the peak, but not in the apex.
• For the best overall protect, you should interconnect all your smoke alarms. You can have them hard-wired together or use wireless technology.
• Don’t forget to place carbon monoxide detectors on all levels of your home, as well as outside sleeping areas.

Where should you NOT put a smoke alarm?

As important as it is to know where to put a smoke detector, it’s even more important that you know where NOT to put them. According to X-Sense Products, a smoke and carbon monoxide alarm company, these are the areas where you should avoid putting detectors:

• Bathrooms. Bathrooms don’t make good spots for smoke alarms, as the steam from hot water will frequently trigger the detector, causing false alarms. Further, moisture from a bathroom can damage a smoke alarm over time, eventually rendering it useless. If possible, avoid placing smoke alarms within 20 feet of a bathroom.
• Ceiling corners. The corners of the ceiling are often the last place in the room to fill up with smoke. Keep your smoke alarms away from the corners of the room to give yourself more time to get out in case of a fire.
• Near fans and vents. You also should avoid placing smoke detectors near fans and vents. Their airflow can blow away the smoke from a fire, causing the alarm to fail to work.
• Near cooking appliances. The oven and stove emit both heat and smoke, both of which can trigger false alarms. Ensure you install your smoke detector at least 10 feet away from your appliances.
• Windows and sliding doors. Avoid placing smoke detectors near windows and sliding doors, as the increased airflow in that area can blow the smoke away from the alarm.

The company also notes that homeowners should also avoid putting smoke and carbon monoxide detectors near the furnace or water heater, washing machines and dishwashers, garages (they advise using heat detectors instead), unfinished attics, or near fluorescent lights.

Using space heaters and generators in cold weather

It’s also important to take extra precautions if you use space heaters. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates “that portable heaters are involved in about 1,700 fires per year, resulting in about 80 deaths and 160 injuries annually.” Use portable heaters at least 10 feet away from smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to avoid false alarms.

If you lose power and need to use a generator, which can often happen during a Washington winter, you must be equally cautious. The CPSC reports:

Most CO deaths associated with portable generators occur in the colder months of the year, between November and February. The exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide, which can kill in minutes. Use portable generators outside only and place them at least 20 feet from the home. Never use a generator inside a home, basement, shed or garage.

From 2010-2020, CPSC estimates that more than 700 people died from CO poisoning associated with generators, over 50 in 2020.

Check your equipment for recalls

As you prepare your home for winter, you should also take note of any product recalls that may be applicable to your home. Check your detectors, alarms, and space heaters against the CPSC’s list of recalled products to ensure they are safe to continue using. If a product has been recalled, stop using it immediately and follow the instructions you find on the recall page.

Another smart idea is to test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors once a month to ensure they are still working properly. Making sure that all of your home’s equipment is in working order can cut down on the risk of household fires and serious burn injuries.

Were you or a loved one injured in a fire due to defective smoke detectors or space heaters? Did you experience carbon monoxide poisoning because of a faulty detector? The attorneys at Philbrook Law are here to help. Talk to us today to find out your rights to financial compensation for your injuries and losses. To schedule a consultation, call our office or submit our contact form to get started. We help clients in Battle Ground and Vancouver, WA and Oregon for your convenience.