At Kidde, we recommend having smoke alarms on every level of your home, in every bedroom, and outside of each sleeping area. See what the laws are where you live.
How do you install this important safety device?
First, choose locations for your smoke alarms. The ceiling is the best place, since smoke rises and it allows the alarm to be centrally located in the room. If you put it on a wall instead, it's best to use an inside wall. For more information on placement, check out Placement of Smoke Alarms.
Once you've decided where you want the alarm to go, here's how you get it in place:
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Smoke alarms come with a mounting base that has screw holes to allow you to fasten the base in your chosen location. Select a drill bit slightly smaller than the size of the included wall anchors to ensure a snug fit.
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Use the base to help mark where the screw holes will go, then drill the holes in the marked placements.
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Using a hammer, tap the plastic screw anchors provided into the drilled holes.
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Drive the screws partially into the anchors and line up the mounting base with the screws.
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Place the smoke alarm into position and twist it in, using the screwdriver to tighten.
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Don't forget to put in the batteries!
Now that your smoke alarms are in place, be sure to properly maintain them.
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Replace the alarms when they've reached their expiration date
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Clean the alarms on a regular basis, making sure to go around the sides and the back of the unit.
