What safety item must be present in each bedroom of a dwelling?

In residential settings, smoke detectors are essential safety devices required in each bedroom to ensure the timely detection of smoke and potential fire hazards. The presence of smoke detectors significantly increases the chances of occupants being alerted to a fire in its early stages, allowing them to take appropriate action such as evacuating the building or calling emergency services. Building codes commonly stipulate that smoke detectors be installed in various locations throughout the home, particularly in sleeping areas, where occupants may be less aware of danger while asleep.

While carbon monoxide detectors are also crucial for safety, particularly in homes that utilize gas appliances or have attached garages, their requirement is generally specific to certain areas of homes rather than every individual bedroom. Fire extinguishers are important for managing small fires and should ideally be distributed throughout a home, but they do not typically have the same mandate for placement in bedrooms as smoke detectors do. Emergency exit plans are beneficial in preparing residents for safe exit in case of an emergency but are not a physical device and do not serve the immediate alerting function that smoke detectors provide.