Detectors

Ideally, my recommendation is to have CO detector on every level of the house as well as smoke
detectors in every bedroom and floor to include the basement and any sub-floor. Any room that has
mechanical or electrical equipment or devices, should have a smoke detector. Additionally, smoke
detectors are needed in any room that has HVAC equipment or appliances, such as, refrigerators, water
heaters, ice machines, etc.

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All of the smoke detectors should be interconnected --- either wired or wireless. That way if a detector
alarms anywhere in the house, all detectors activate simultaneously. To me, the most important
variable, beside a fully sprinklered building, is being notified immediately if there is a fire. Quick
notification allows for quick action.

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When I grew up, it was sufficient to have a smoke detector on every level of the house. These detectors
were not interconnected in any way. So, if a fire occurred in the basement, the detectors on the top
floor would not activate. The smoke would have to travel to the other levels and be thick enough to
activate the smoke detectors. All the while, the fire in the basement is rapidly advancing.
Having interconnected smoke detectors will allow for immediate notification throughout the house if
any detector is activated.