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How many smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms do I need? |
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The NFPA says you should have one smoke alarm installed on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas. If you sleep with the doors closed, place smoke alarms inside your bedrooms. The Canadian Standards Association says place one carbon monoxide alarm on every level of your home as well, especially outside sleeping areas. |
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What type of smoke alarm do I need? |
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You need both Ionization and Photoelectric smoke alarms. Ionization smoke alarms respond quickly to fast flaming fires, which make them a good choice for living and sleeping areas. Photoelectric smoke alarms respond quickly to smoldering fires, which make them an excellent choice for the kitchen because they are less prone to nuisance alarms caused by cooking. This web site, alarm packaging, or your hardware retailer, can help you make the right choice. |
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I’ve experienced a number of false alarms in the kitchen. Is my alarm too sensitive or malfunctioning? |
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No. Check to see if you have an Ionization smoke alarm in the kitchen.
If you do, consider switching to a Photoelectric smoke alarm, which is best for that room. If your alarm is detecting smoke created by burned toast and cooking, purchase an alarm with a “Hush” Button that lets you temporarily quiet the alarm while still keeping your family safe if a real fire breaks out. |
