Two-thirds of all fires involving fatalities happen in homes between the hours of 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. Three-fifths of America's home fire fatalities occur in homes without smoke detectors.
A smoke detector can't save your life if it's not working. Dead, missing or disconnected batteries are the principle cause of non-working detectors. Test your smoke detectors once each month and replace any battery too weak to sound the alarm. Heed the warning, when the detector chirps, the battery is low. Replace batteries once per year on the same date (your birthday).
Dealing with False Alarms
Do not disconnect the detector - RELOCATE IT!
If false alarms persist, replace the detector.
Nothing lasts forever. After 10 years, replace it.
Installing Smoke Detectors
There are basically two types:
Ionization, and the most common, Photoelectric. Any approved type will work fine.
How many do I need?
Outside each sleeping area and on each level, including the basement.
For hearing impaired individuals, you can obtain detectors with flashing lights
How do I install my detectors?
Read the directions that come with the detector.
Where do I install my detectors?
Wall mounted units should be installed with the top 4 to 12 inches from the ceiling. Ceiling mounted units at least 4 inches from the nearest wall.
Do not mount near registers, doors, windows or ceiling fans.