Smoke Alarms - On Every Level and in Every Bedroom

On Every Level

Stayton Fire District and OSFM recommends that you install smoke alarms inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement.

• Choose smoke alarms that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory.


• On levels without bedrooms, install alarms in the living room (or den or family room) or near the stairway to the upper level, or in both locations.


• Smoke alarms installed in the basement should be installed on the ceiling at the bottom of the stairs leading to the next level.


• Smoke alarms should be installed at least 10 feet (3 meters) from a cooking appliance to minimize false alarms when cooking.  Long-life photoelectric alarms are also a great option in areas close to the kitchen.


• Mount smoke alarms high on walls or ceilings (remember, smoke rises). Wall-mounted alarms should be installed not more than 12 inches away from the ceiling (to the top of the alarm).


• If you have ceilings that are pitched, install the alarm within 3 feet of the peak but not within the apex of the peak (four inches down from the peak).


• Consider installing interconnected (when one sounds they all sound) alarms that have long-life batteries or are hardwired with battery backup

Remember to test your smoke alarms monthly, and if you have kids test them while they are sleeping to see if they wake up.  They may need assistance to wake up and get out, so make a family escape plan and practice it.  There are also recordable or "talking" smoke alarms, as well as low-frequency alarms available that may make a difference.

Hard of hearing?  Then consider a shaker or strobe alarm.  Learn more by clicking here

Click here to learn more about smoke alarms in Oregon

Click here to learn more about where to install alarms