Where to place smoke detectors

Where you place smoke detectors inside your home is a very important consideration, as it can directly impact how quickly and easily you can escape in the event of a fire.

A single smoke detector in the kitchen is not enough; highly-flammable synthetic furniture, candles, appliances and more can cause fires just as much as your hob or oven.

As a general guide, we’d recommend placing a smoke detector in each of the following rooms in your home:

• Every bedroom
• The kitchen (heat alarms are best in kitchens to avoid false alarms from cooking)
• Hallways and landings, especially outside bedrooms
• The living or dining room

This ensures smoke will be picked up as soon as possible and the alarm will be heard throughout your home in case a sensor is triggered.

Where you place smoke detectors inside each room also matters, because smoke rises up before it spreads out. We’d recommend installing smoke alarms on the ceiling, as centrally as possible, and at least 30 cm away from walls, light fittings or furniture to make sure they are unrestricted.

Opting for a Verisure Monitored Smoke Detector takes the hassle of figuring out installation and placement away. All of our systems are professionally installed by experts who will advise you on the best number of smoke detectors for your home and where to install them so they are as effective as possible.

If you are a landlord or a tenant, it’s worth noting that there are laws in place in the UK regarding smoke alarms in residential properties. Landlords must make sure there is at least one smoke alarm on each floor of residential homes, and that they are repaired or replaced if found faulty.