Smoke detectors are becoming more sophisticated and homeowners need to install more of them according to a fire inspector in Charlottetown.

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Caption: Fire Inspector Kent Mitchell says new recommendations call for smoke detectors in every bedroom

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Fire Inspector Kent Mitchell says the theme of this year's fire prevention week is Hear the Beep Where you Sleep. It's a message the National Fire Protection Association is hoping will encourage home owners to install detectors beyond their hallways and kitchens.

"With this year's program they are also recommending every bedroom as well. There is a code requirement, in every bedroom of a new house."

However, in older homes the newer rules don't apply. Mitchell says people in older homes can beef up their smoke detector protection by adding battery operated units.

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An ongoing frustration for Mitchell is finding smoke alarms in homes that have been disconnected for various reasons. Mitchell says if people are annoyed when the steam from showers sets off false alarms, the detector could simply be moved to a new location in the hall.

"In a hallway it's a good idea to have it about three feet away from your bathroom doorway so ... you're not getting that false alarm from your shower."