In a split level residential home, smoke detectors should be installed in which locations?

• A. Hallways outside of bedrooms
• B. Basement
• C. All of the above
• D. All bedrooms

Answer: (C)

Smoke alarms must be placed so smoke is detected quickly on every level and near sleeping areas. In a split-level home you have multiple zones: living areas on different levels and a basement, plus sleeping spaces that may be spread out. A detector in the hallway outside sleeping areas ensures the alarm is heard on that level even if smoke is near the bedrooms. A detector in the basement catches smoke early since basements can be the first place smoke collects and it can travel up the stairs to other levels. Detectors inside all bedrooms provide immediate alert for occupants who are sleeping, no matter where the fire starts. Putting detectors in these locations—hallways outside bedrooms, the basement, and in all bedrooms—gives the best early-warning coverage across the entire home.