Smoke and CO detectors

{{whyLabel}}: Proper placement ensures early detection of smoke before it reaches sleeping occupants.

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• Identify every bedroom as a mandatory installation site.
• Mark locations outside every separate sleeping area (e.g., hallways).
• Ensure at least one detector is planned for every level of the home, including the basement.
• Keep locations at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from cooking appliances to prevent false alarms.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A floor plan or list exists identifying every room and hallway requiring a smoke detector.

{{whyLabel}}: Carbon monoxide is a 'silent killer' that must be detected where you sleep to wake you in time.

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• Plan for one CO detector on every level of the home.
• Prioritize placement within 10–15 feet of all bedroom doors.
• Identify locations near attached garages or rooms above garages.
• Ensure detectors are at least 15–20 feet away from fuel-burning appliances (furnaces, water heaters) to avoid nuisance alerts.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: CO detector locations are marked on your home map, separate from or combined with smoke detectors.

{{whyLabel}}: Dual-sensor units detect both smoldering and flaming fires, while interconnection ensures that if one alarm sounds, they all do.

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• Choose Photoelectric sensors for living areas (better for smoldering fires).
• Opt for Dual-Sensor (Ionization + Photoelectric) for maximum protection.
• Select Interconnected models (wireless or hardwired) so the basement alarm can be heard in the master bedroom.
• Look for units with 10-year sealed lithium batteries to eliminate yearly battery changes.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: All required smoke and CO detectors are purchased and on-site.

{{whyLabel}}: Smoke rises and spreads along the ceiling; central placement provides the fastest response.

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• Install detectors in the center of the ceiling whenever possible.
• Keep them at least 4 inches (10 cm) away from any side walls.
• If wall-mounting is necessary, place them 4–12 inches (10–30 cm) down from the ceiling.
• Avoid 'dead air' spaces in corners where smoke might not circulate.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: All smoke detectors are securely fixed to the ceiling or high wall.

{{whyLabel}}: While CO mixes with air, eye-level placement makes it easier to read digital displays and perform tests.

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• Mount CO detectors approximately 5 feet (1.5 meters) above the floor.
• Ensure they are not covered by curtains, furniture, or behind doors.
• Avoid placing them directly next to windows or air vents that could dilute the gas sample.
• If using plug-in models, ensure the outlet is not controlled by a wall switch.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: CO detectors are installed at the correct height in all planned zones.

{{whyLabel}}: A physical test confirms that the sirens work and interconnected units communicate correctly.

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• Press the 'Test' button on each unit and verify the loud audible signal.
• If interconnected, confirm that triggering one unit causes all others to sound.
• Use a canned smoke spray (UL-listed) to verify the sensor actually detects smoke, as the button only tests the circuitry.
• Ensure all family members recognize the different sounds for smoke vs. CO.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Every alarm has been successfully triggered and heard throughout the house.

{{whyLabel}}: Sensors degrade over time; a schedule prevents the system from failing silently.

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• 1 (Monthly): Set a recurring phone alert to press the test button on all units.
• 2 (Bi-Annually): Schedule a time to vacuum dust off the sensors and change batteries (if not 10-year sealed).
• 10 (Decade): Write the 'Replace By' date on the side of each unit with a permanent marker.
• Replace CO detectors every 5–7 years and smoke detectors every 10 years.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Recurring reminders are set in your digital calendar.

{{whyLabel}}: Knowing where the detectors are is useless if the family doesn't know how to exit the building safely.

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• Identify two ways out of every room.
• Designate an outdoor meeting spot (e.g., a specific tree or mailbox).
• Practice staying low to the floor to avoid smoke inhalation.
• Teach children how to open windows and use escape ladders if applicable.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A full drill has been completed and everyone reached the meeting spot in under 2 minutes.