DIY Network

Detectors 101 An overview of smoke detector placement and types From "Your Home Make It Safe" episode YHM-101

Strategically placed smoke detectors are any family's most effective line of defense against a fire. Here, Fire Sergeant Dennis Rucker and host Tom Corvin take a closer look at smoke (and carbon monoxide) detector placement.

advertisement

Sergeant Dennis Rucker and Tom Corvin take a look at the garage -- one of the most hazardous areas of the home. Most chemicals are improperly stored and the area is cluttered. Rucker suggests safety containers, organization of the area and the addition of smoke detectors to minimize the likelihood of a fire.

Kitchen - Avoid placing the smoke detector too close to the oven or a ceiling fan, where it can create false readings and set off the alarm.

Bedrooms - Inside the bedroom or centrally located in a hallway near several bedrooms is perhaps one of the most important placements. Most fires occur at nighttime--during sleeping hours.

Garage - A smoke detector is ideal for the garage, where paints, chemicals, gasoline and other combustibles are often stored. Garage smoke detectors should be placed above the door of the entrance to your home. A carbon monoxide detector should not be placed in the garage, as the fumes will constantly trigger the alarm.

Basement - A dual detector (smoke and carbon monoxide) is a good choice for the basement, where water heaters and furnaces are often located. For increased safety, stored items should be kept away from the water heater and furnace--and the detector.

Types of Detectors

• Direct Wire with Battery Back-up - hardwired directly into the electrical system of the home; includes 9 volt battery to power the detector in times of electrical outage.

• Lithium Battery Powered - has 10-year long-life battery

• Detector with Safety Light - helps light the way to an escape route in case of an electrical failure

• Dual Detector - all-in-one smoke and carbon monoxide detection

RESOURCES :

The Home Depot Information

To locate the Home Depot store nearest you, click here.

The Home Depot U.S.A. Inc.
Website: www.homedepot.com

Stop Drop and Roll (A Book about Fire Safety)
Model: 0689843550
Author: Margery Cuyler and Arthur Howard (Illustrator)
Simon & Schuster
New York, NY 10020
Phone: Private
Fax: Private
Email: ssonline_feedback@simonsays.com
Website: www.simonsays.com

Smoke Alarms
Model: 0736801960
Author: Lucia Raatma
Capstone Press (Bridgestone Books)
Mankato, MN 56002-0669
Fax: 888-262-0705

Living Safe in an Unsafe World: The Complete Guide to Family Preparedness
Model: 0451409329
Author: Kate Kelly

Fire Prevention and Education Materials
U.S. Fire Administration
Website: http://www.usfa.fema.gov/dhtml/public/fserd.cfm

GUESTS :
Sgt. Dennis Rucker
Phone: 770-499-3855
Website: www.cobbfire.org
Cobb County Fire Safety