Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms must be placed in each room

When moving into a home, I always wondered how many smoke alarms are needed for each floor? You will be surprised to hear that the recommendation for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms is to have at least one in each room of the house and also at least one on each level. The same goes for fire extinguishers as well. One each level of your home, a smoke alarm must be hardwired into your electrical system with the remaining either being battery operated or for maximum safety measure I would choose wireless smoke alarms. With a wireless smoke alarm, it allows communication directly with a hardwired detector, so if any wireless alarm goes off in your home it will trigger each and every alarm.

There are many different alarms to choose from, but I would suggest going with some of the newer wireless battery operated combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. They do not cost much and are simple to hook up on a wall or ceiling. As for fire extinguishers, First Alert has portable units as described in the previous post with the Tundra. They are also very inexpensive and do not require any additional hazmat fees.

Below is a complete list of a home safety audit that can be useful when purchasing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for your home:

Living, Dining, and Family Rooms

- A carbon monoxide alarm on every level where your family spends time.
- Safety plugs on unused outlets.
- Window treatments free of dangling cords if small children are present.
- Programmable timers to turn lamps on and off when you’re away.
- Extension cords placed safely away from areas where they could be stepped on or tripped over.
- Outlet surge protectors for audio, video, and computer equipment.
- Windows kept free of furniture if small children are present.

Kitchen
- A smoke alarm with silence button.
- A fire extinguisher.
- Scatter rugs that have nonslip backings or that are attached with pads or double-faced tape.
- Childproof safety latches on cabinets that contain cleaning materials.
- Electrical outlets that are fitted with ground-fault circuit interrupters.
- Individual shut-off valves for each gas appliance.
- Short, heavy-duty extension cords for appliances.
- A range hood or vent kept free of built-up grease.
- Radios, televisions and small electric appliances located safely away from the sink.
- A list of emergency numbers located prominently near the phone.

Baths
- An up-to-date first-aid kit.
- Anti-scald shower/tub water controls.
- Grab bars within easy reach in each tub and shower stall.
- Shatter-resistant faucet parts with no sharp edges.
- A night light.
- Childproof safety latches on cabinets containing dangerous materials.
- An electrical outlet positioned away from water fixtures and fitted with a ground-fault circuit interrupter.

Furnace Room
- A smoke alarm.
- A carbon monoxide alarm at least 15 – 20 feet from furnace.
- A fire extinguisher.

Bedrooms
- A smoke alarm in every bedroom and main hallway.
- A carbon monoxide alarm in or near each bedroom.
- A night light.
- A fire-escape ladder (if bedrooms are above main levels).
- A fire extinguisher.
- A list of emergency numbers posted near any telephones.
- The control center for your home security system.
- A rechargeable flashlight.

Garage
- A smoke alarm or heat alarm.
- A fire extinguisher.
- A first-aid kit.
- Well-maintained tools/equipment.
- Electrical outlets equipped with ground-fault circuit interrupters.
- A telephone for summoning emergency help.