What is an important consideration when selecting locations for smoke detectors?

When selecting locations for smoke detectors, distance from cooking appliances is crucial because smoke detectors are highly sensitive to smoke particles generated from cooking. Installing a smoke detector too close to cooking appliances can lead to false alarms, which may result in people ignoring or disabling them. Ideally, smoke detectors should be placed at a safe distance away from kitchens to ensure they can effectively detect smoke from other sources, such as a fire, without being triggered by normal cooking activities.

In terms of other considerations, proximity to windows may affect the airflow and smoke dispersion, while the height of the ceiling can influence smoke rise but is less critical than ensuring the detector is adequately distanced from potential nuisance alarms. The presence of furniture is a concern mainly in ensuring that smoke can reach the detector without obstruction, but it is not as significant as maintaining a proper distance from cooking sources.