NFPA STANDARD FOR SMOKE-DETECTOR LOCATION
The GEM-SMK should be installed in accordance with the Na-
tional Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 72, which is
summarized below.
Smoke detectors shall be installed outside of each separate
area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms and on each addi-
tional story of the family living unit including basements and exclud-
ing crawl spaces and unfinished attics. This represents the mini-
mum number of detectors required. It is recommended that the
householder consider the use of additional smoke or heat detectors
for increased protection for those areas separated by a door from
areas protected by the required smoke detectors. The recom-
mended additional areas are: living room, dining room, bedroom(s),
kitchen, attic (finished or unfinished), furnace room, utility room,
basement, integral or attached garage and hallways. However, the
use of additional detectors remains the option of the householder.
For family living units with one or more split levels (i.e., adjacent
levels with less than one full story separation between levels), a
smoke detector required as above shall suffice for an adjacent
lower level, including basements.
Exception: Where there is an intervening door between one
level and the adjacent lower level, a smoke detector shall be in-
stalled on the lower level.
•
Ceiling-mounted smoke alarms should be located in the center
of the room or hall, or not less than 4 inches from any wall.
When the detector is mounted on a wall, the top of the detector
should be 4 to 12 inches from the ceiling.
•
Do not install smoke alarms where normal ambient tempera-
tures are above 100°F (37.8°C), or below 40°F (4°C). Also, do
not locate alarm in front of air conditioners, heating registers, or
other locations where normal air circulation will keep smoke
from entering the detector.
FIRE PREVENTION AND ESCAPE
The purpose of an early warning smoke alarm is to detect the
presence of fire in its early stages, and sound an alarm giving the
occupants more time to exit the premise before the smoke reaches
a dangerous concentration level.
Fires start even with the best of housekeeping and fire-
prevention procedures. Fire is an unexpected event. Early warning
detection alerts occupants in time to act.
KNOW FIRE HAZARDS
. No detection device can protect life in
all situations. Therefore, safeguards should be taken to avoid such
potentially dangerous situations as smoking in bed, leaving children
home alone, cleaning with flammable liquids such as gasoline.
The best fire protection is minimizing fire hazards through
proper storage of materials and general good housekeeping tech-
niques. A cluttered basement, attic, or other storage area is an
open invitation to fire.
Careless use of combustible materials and electrical appliances,
or overloading of electrical outlets are other prime causes in starting
fires.
It is most important that explosive and/or fast-burning materials
be eliminated from the home if at all possible.
Even after proper precautions have been taken, fires can start.
Be prepared.
IN CASE OF FIRE
. Leave immediately. Don’t stop to pack or
search for valuables. In heavy smoke, hold your breath and stay
low -- crawl if necessary. The clearest air is usually at the floor.
If you have to go through a closed door, carefully feel the door
and door knob to see if undue heat is present. If they seem rela-
tively cool, brace your foot against the bottom of the door with your
hip against the door and one hand against the top edge. Open it
slightly. If a rush of hot air is felt, slam the door quickly and latch it.
Unvented fire tends to build up considerable pressure. Be sure all
the household realizes and understands this danger.
Use your neighbor’s phone or a street fire alarm box. The job of
extinguishing the fire should be left to the professionals. Too many
unforeseen things can occur when inexperienced people try to ex-
tinguish afire.
BE PREPARED
. Perform fire drills regularly. Use them to as-
sure recognition of an alarm signal. For your protection, simulate
different circumstances (smoke in hall, in living room, etc.). Then
have everyone react to the situation.
Draw a floor plan and show two exits from each room. Fre-
quently, a knotted rope or ladder from a window will serve this pur-
pose. It is important that children be instructed carefully, because
they tend to hide in times of crisis.
It is imperative that one meeting place outside the home be es-
tablished. You should insist that everyone meet there during an
alarm. This will eliminate the tragedy of someone reentering the
house for a missing member who is actually safe.
If you have children and/or invalids residing in your household, you
can help your fire department. Most fire departments have window
decals available for use in children’s or invalid’s bedrooms. Properly
used, these decals will quickly identify sleeping quarters of these
individuals and show the department where to look first for mem-
bers of your household.
Additional information on Household Fire Warning is available at
nominal cost from The National Fire Protection Agency, Battery-
march Park, Quincy, MA 02269. Request Standard No. NFPA 72.
A smoke alarm should be
located between the sleeping
area and the rest of the family
living unit.
In family living units with more
than one sleeping area, a smoke
alarm should be provided for
each separate sleeping area.
Indicates required smoke detector
Indicates optional smoke detector if
door is not provided between Living
and Recreation rooms.