How many smoke alarms should I have? And how many carbon monoxide alarms?

This depends on the size and layout of your home. At a minimum, install smoke alarms:

• In every bedroom and every sleeping area;
• In the common area just outside of each bedroom and sleeping area (such as the hallway, landing, or living room); and
• On every level of your home.
• Larger homes should have more alarms to adequately cover the house.

Additionally, you need carbon monoxide alarms if your home has any gas appliances. (We also recommend installing CO alarms if you have an attached garage or any type of fireplace–even wood-burning.)  However, it usually sufficient to have one CO alarm on each level of the home.