Loss Prevention Service - Recommended Location of Alarms Locate the first smoke alarm in the immediate area of the bedrooms. Try to protect the exit path as the bedrooms are usually furthest from the exit. If more than one sleeping area exists, locate additional alarms in each sleeping area. Locate additional smoke alarms to protect any stairway, as stairways act like chimneys for smoke and heat. Locate at least one smoke alarm on every floor level. In Brantford, the current by-law regarding smoke detectors requires one per floor Locate a smoke alarm in every bedroom where a smoker sleeps. Locate a smoke alarm in every room where someone sleeps with the door closed. The door may prevent a hallway mounted smoke alarm from waking the sleeper. As we, if there is a fire in the room, then the smoke alarm will wake the individual. Smoke, heat, and combustion products rise to the ceiling and spread horizontally. Mounting the smoke alarm on the ceiling in the centre of the room places it closest to all points in the room. Ceiling mounting a smoke alarm is preferred in ordinary residential homes. When mounting a smoke alarm on the ceiling locate it a minimum of four inches (10 cm) from the side wall. When mounting a smoke alarm on the wall, use an inside wall. Mount the top edge of the alarm a minimum of four inches (10 cm) and a maximum of twelve inches below the ceiling.

Introduction Smoke detectors Recommended location of alarms Fire safety planning Fire extinguishers Some important fire safety tips

Locations To Avoid The garage - products of combustion are present when you start your automobile. In front of forced air ducts used for heating and air conditioning, near ceiling fans, or other high air flow areas. In the peak of an "A" frame type ceiling. In areas where the temperature may fall below 40°F or rise above 100°F. In dusty areas - dust particles may cause the smoke alarm to false alarm, or fail to alarm. In very humid areas, in or near bathrooms - moisture or steam can cause the unit to false alarm. Near fluorescent lights - electronic "noise" may cause nuisance alarms. Points To Remember Never paint a smoke alarm. If you paint a smoke detector, you could affect the unit's ability to sense smoke or heat. A smoke detector is a functional device, not a home-decorating accessory, so don't treat it like one. While it may look better hidden in the corner of a room, or to the side, a smoke detector must always be placed where it can work most effectively. Never use rechargeable batteries in a smoke detector. A rechargeable battery will not cause the smoke detector to "chirp" if it has discharged. Use only batteries that have been recommended by the manufacturer of the smoke detector. Do not automatically assume that an alarm is false. Check to make sure there is no fire before resetting the alarm. Never remove the battery from a smoke detector to silence the unit. It is easy to forget that you have disconnected the battery, and then you and your family area at risk because the smoke detector will not work. Vacuum your smoke detector at least once per month (or follow the manufacturer's recommendations). Test your smoke detector with the smoke from a candle at least two times per year. Read and understand the manufacturer's instructions for installation, maintenance, and testing of your smoke alarm. REPLACE THE BATTERY IN YOUR SMOKE ALARM EVERY YEAR.