Installing your smoke alarm

Installing a smoke alarm is easy and only takes a few minutes.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions that come with your smoke alarm. The best place is on the ceiling, near or at the middle of the room or hall. The alarm should be at least 30cm (one foot) away from a wall or light.

Where to fit your smoke alarm

• If you live on one level, fit the alarm in the hallway between the living and sleeping areas.
• If your home has more than one level, fit one alarm at the bottom of the staircase and further alarms on each landing.
• Always put smoke alarms where you will be able to hear them throughout the home, particularly when you're asleep or when doors are closed.
• Ideal places are at the top of staircases, on stair landings, and between living and sleeping areas.
• Fit alarms on the ceiling, as near as possible to the centre of the room, hallway or landing. The alarm should be at least 30cm (12 inches) away from any wall or light.

Don't put a smoke alarm

• In the kitchen or bathroom, where it could be accidentally triggered by cooking fumes or steam.
• Where you can't hear it while you're asleep.
• In a garage, where it could be triggered by exhaust fumes.
• On a wall. Smoke rises straight up towards the ceiling and will set the alarm off more quickly if the device is fixed to the ceiling - giving you more time to escape.
• If it's difficult for you to fit yourself, ask a family member or friend to help you.