9. NFPA REQUIRED PROTECTION
The National Fire Protection Association’s Standard 72 provides the
following information:
Smoke Detection – Where required by applicable laws, codes,
or standards for the specified occupancy, approved single- and
multiple-station smoke alarms shall be installed as follows: (1) In
all sleeping rooms. (2) Outside of each separate sleeping area, in
immediate vicinity of the sleeping rooms. (3) On each level of the
dwelling unit, including basements Exception: In existing one- and
two-family dwelling units, approved smoke alarms powered by
batteries are permitted.
Smoke Detection – Are More Smoke Alarms Desirable? The
required number of smoke alarms might not provide reliable early
warning protection for those areas separated by a door from the
areas protected by the required smoke alarms. For this reason, it
is recommended that the householder consider the use of addi-
tional smoke alarms for those areas for increased protection. The
additional areas include the basement, bedrooms, dining room,
furnace room, utility room, and hallways not protected by the
required smoke alarms. The installation of the smoke alarms in the
kitchen, attic (finished or unfinished), or garage is normally not
recommended, as these locations occasionally experience condi-
tions that can result in improper operation.
This equipment should be installed in accordance with the
National Fire Protection Association’s Standard 72 (NFPA,
Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269).
NOTIFY YOUR LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT AND INSURANCE
COMPANY OF YOUR SMOKE ALARM INSTALLATION.
10. CAUTION (AS REQUIRED BY THE
CALIFORNIA STATE FIRE MARSHAL)
“Early warning fire detection is best achieved by the installation
of fire detection equipment in all rooms and areas of the house-
hold as follows. A smoke alarm installed in each separate sleeping
area (in the vicinity of, but outside of the bedrooms), and heat or
smoke alarms in the living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, kitch-
ens, hallways, attics, furnace rooms, closets, utility and storage
rooms, basements and attached garages”.
