If you own a home, rent an apartment, live in a trailer, or even a cave with a camp fire… you need to make sure all of your alarms are operational and properly placed!. With everything going on in day-to-day life it is very easy to simply overlook and/or forget the importance of keeping alarms maintained. This is especially important for anyone with fossil fuel combustion (natural gas, oil, propane) for heat, cooking, fireplace. These systems all create carbon monoxide (CO). If any of these systems strike a leak CO can enter the home. CO is colorless, tasteless, and odorless, so if this happens during sleep.. it will most likely be your last. Below are some general rules for smoke & carbon alarms (disclosure: always confirm with your local FD or consult with a technician when making any alarm changes or improvements – I personally use Fire Safety Consultants for inspection of my properties and recommend my clients do the same ahead of sale – 508-783-4939):

• CO detectors should be within 10′ of any bedroom.
• CO detectors should be located on each level of a home.
• CO detector should be at bottom of basement staircase.
• Smoke alarm should be proper technology (ie. Photoelectric or Ionized)
• Smoke alarm within 20′ of a kitchen or bathroom should be Photoelectric. These are less likely to cause false alarms due to steam or cooking – leading to less people removing or covering them based on annoyance.
• Smoke alarms outside 20′ of kitchen or bathroom should be Ionized.
• Basement should have both technologies of Photoelectric & Ionized.
• If using a combination alarm (ie. smoke & carbon) it must voice cause for alarm (ie. FIRE FIRE FIRE or CARBON MONOXIDE).
• If there is a wiring system in place for smoke alarms they must all be hardwired. When one alarm goes off they all go off.
• If no wiring system in place for smoke alarms they can be battery operated.
• CO alarms can be battery operated regardless of hardwire system or plug-in with battery back up (battery backup is important incase power goes out).

There is much more to be aware of when it comes to alarm safety, but the above are some basics that can help you determine if your current configuration is to code.

And, test your alarms at least once a year!