Getting and keeping a smoke alarm in your home is a common sense means to keep your home safe. That is not to say that the smoke alarm will always protect you but the truth is that you’ve got a far better chance with one, than you do without.

Is just one smoke alarm enough to keep you safe? That depends on the size of your home and the layout to be honest. Realistically more than one is always better than one in a central location.

Two or more smoke alarms are your best option with the right placement inside your home to assure that they are not in what are known as dead spots, which prevents them from functioning properly.

While we’re on the subject, what’s the best alarm for your purposes? There are different kinds of smoke alarms that will protect you better from certain kinds of fire.

Smoldering fires are deadly in that the smoke is a toxin. It can rob you for the air that you need to survive. Some kinds of smoke alarms are better at detecting that than other kinds are. These are known as photoelectric and are the best bet for placement in your home in most cases.

An ion alarm is one that will react most readily to open flames and hot burning fires. These are also very low in cost and will be the cheapest way to secure you against fire. They are a necessity, but they should not be the only alarm that you use to protect yourself and your home.

Choosing one or more of each kind of alarm and making sure that your hallways, outside bedroom doors, and the kitchen are all fitted out with a smoke/fire alarm is the best way to assure that everyone gets the alarm when it goes off.

Fire alarm systems, wired systems with battery backups are also a great investment in your safety. These are fitted out so that if one alarm is sounded they are all sounded. For larger or multiple storied homes they are a good way to assure that everyone hears the alarm.