As a Home inspector in the Kamloops , Merritt and Salmon Arm region , one area of concern for me personally is very few people are aware of how such a simple thing as a smoke detector can save your life and the life of those you care about.

Most are unaware that smoke detectors need to be replaced every 10 years and carbon monoxide detectors every 5 years.

During most home inspections I always say “new home new detectors”. Smoke detectors can be damaged by dust , moisture , pet hair , feathers , also a cold winter combined with a poorly insulated attic can also shorten the life of a smoke detector.

As a master Electrician I was involved in designing , implementing, testing, verifying and installing many different types of fire detection systems. I know first hand just how delicate these smoke detectors are , they can and will fail .
This fathers day please buy Dad a smoke detector.


If you have any further questions please contact your local fire department.


FAQ - Smoke Detector Placement

Question: Where should I place smoke detectors in my home?

Answer: Where you place smoke detectors depends on the size and layout of your home, and where people sleep in your home. Since the primary job of a smoke detector is to awaken sleeping persons and warn them of urgent danger, put a detector in each sleeping room and place additional detector(s) in the hallway or area by the bedrooms within five feet of the door to these rooms. In a house where the bedrooms are upstairs, one additional detector should be near the top of the stairs to the bedroom area.

Don't put detectors within six inches of where walls and ceilings meet, or near heating and cooling ducts. Detectors located in these areas may not receive the flow of smoke required to activate the alarm.

In homes with more than one sleeping area on the same level or on different levels, a smoke detector should be installed to protect each separate sleeping area. For example, in a one-floor plan with only one sleeping area, the smoke detectors should be placed as shown.

In homes with more than one sleeping area on the same level or on different levels (top), smoke detectors should be installed to protect each separate sleeping area and in each sleeping room.

Smoke detectors don't need much attention, regular testing and prompt replacement of batteries is all that is needed. Batteries will last approximately one year. If your battery-powered detector begins to emit its low-power warning sound (usually short beeps), remove the weak battery and replace it immediately with a fresh one. Have a new battery on hand always. However, if you neglect these requirements, your detector won't do its job if a fire starts.