Where should smoke detectors be installed in a house?

Installing smoke detectors on every level of the home and outside each sleeping area is crucial for ensuring the safety of the occupants. This placement strategy significantly increases the likelihood that smoke or fire will be detected early, allowing residents to evacuate promptly and safely. Smoke rises, and by having detectors in strategic locations, especially near bedrooms, occupants are more likely to be alerted during the night when they are most vulnerable.

Moreover, installing detectors on every floor addresses the issue of varying toxic smoke paths in different areas of the house. Each level can have different risks or fire sources, so having detectors distributed across all floors enhances overall safety and compliance with fire safety codes.

The other options suggest limited or inadequate placement of smoke detectors. For instance, focusing solely on the garage and basement overlooks critical areas such as living rooms and bedrooms, which are common places where fires can begin. Only placing detectors in the kitchen and living room does not address sleeping areas, where people may be particularly at risk during a fire. Similarly, restricting installation to hallways misses the opportunity for early detection in other vital living spaces. Thus, option B reflects the best practices for smoke detector installation as recommended by safety standards.