The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that half of residential fire deaths occur in homes that do not have smoke detectors. It used to be that smoke detectors were fairly expensive ($50 to $100 when they first came out). That's part of the reason that we originally put only 1 or 2 in each home. The price has dropped substantially, and the quality has improved. They can now be purchased for $10 to $15 each. Modern standards call for smoke detectors inside and outside all sleeping rooms and on each level of the house (including basement).
Studies have shown that a 10 year old smoke alarm has a 30% chance of not working. Would your drive a car on the freeway if the brakes had a 30% chance of not working? I doubt it! The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) urges homeowners to replace smoke detectors more than 10 years old, and to replace all smoke detectors when moving into a new residence unless you know that the smoke detectors are new.
Do you have a high ceiling? At least one smoke detector manufacturer is now making a model that can be tested by shining a flashlight at it. That's right, no more getting out the ladder each month to push the test button!
Carbon monoxide detectors have become relatively inexpensive and are readily available. One or two of these will add an extra level of safety for your family.