A smoke detector is the best early warning device you can have in your home to signal residents in the event of smoke or fire. A loud, high pitched beep is emitted when smoke is detected which alerts residents and allows them to evacuate before the house is overtaken by fire. The loud noise of the smoke detector is essential to your survival since most house fires will happen at night when the occupants are sleeping.



Before you begin shopping for your smoke detectors it is best to check with your fire marshal to see if there are specific codes in your area that must be met. The codes in your area may determine which type below you will need to purchase.

You want to make sure that the smoke detector you are considering is Underwriter's Laboratory or UL tested and rated. This company uses extensive testing in all possible scenarios for smoke detectors. So you are sure to be getting a good smoke detector that will perform under any type of condition.

If a smoke detector doesn't indicate that it has been through UL testing then it is likely that it hasn't been extensively tested and you should look for another smoke detector for your home. Always remember that your life as well as the life of your family is at risk when you choose a smoke detector so choose wisely and carefully.

You may want to choose a hard-wired smoke alarm or one that is hooked up directly to your home's electrical system. For even more assurance a hardwired smoke detector with a battery back up will keep your family safe in the event of a power outage. However, this option is more expensive if you need an electrician to run wiring. One advantage of these is that they usually interconnect with each other as long as they are the same brand (this means they will sound all of the alarms on the same wiring when one detector goes off.)

Then there are smoke detectors which run off a battery only. These are okay as long as you remember to test it and change the battery at least every 6 months. If the detector is in a hard to reach area with no electric running to it, a lithium battery smoke detector may be more practical, as this battery lasts up to 10 years.

The latest on the market, for those that want the detectors to interconnect with each other but they do not have the wiring set up, are the wireless smoke systems. These are expensive in comparison to other smoke detectors but are cheaper than the cost of an electrician and any sheet rock replacement after installation.

The other decision you need to make when purchasing a smoke detector is whether you want ionization or photoelectric. Photoelectric is more accurate and will sound less often in places such as the kitchen which is prone to some smoke from cooking. Humid areas may do better with the photoelectric as well.

Generally speaking, you should make sure you buy a smoke detector for every floor of your home at the very least. But it is even better if you can buy enough to have one inside every bedroom, one in each main hallway, and one near the kitchen. Again, the codes in your area may determine this for you.

Clean your detector regularly with a vacuum hose attachment and test the battery. Every ten years you should replace your smoke detector so keep the purchase day of the smoke detector with your important household papers. If you do not have the paperwork the detectors usually have a manufactured date on the back label.