What is a key requirement for smoke alarms in residential settings in terms of placement?

The placement of smoke alarms in residential settings is critical for ensuring safety and early detection of fire hazards. One of the key requirements is that smoke alarms must be installed on each floor of the home. This ensures that there is adequate coverage throughout the residence, allowing for timely alerts in the event of smoke or fire, regardless of where the incident may occur.

Having smoke alarms on every floor increases the likelihood that occupants will hear the alarm when it sounds, especially while sleeping or in different parts of the house. This broad coverage is essential since fires can start in various locations such as basements, living rooms, or even attics.

While options focusing on specific locations like kitchen areas or near windows may seem relevant, these do not provide the comprehensive safety that is necessary throughout the entire home. Additionally, placing alarms only on the floor level or limiting them to just specific areas does not comply with the broader safety standards needed for effective fire detection.