This manual, one in a series developed for public education, provides information on smoke detector selection, installation, operation, and maintenance. For the prospective buyer, the importance of looking for the seal of a recognized national testing laboratory--such as Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc. (UL)--indicating adequate laboratory testing is discussed followed by a description of the two basic types of detectors (ionization and photoelectric) and how they work. Proper placement and installation procedures are also covered, including the number needed, location, power sources, and interconnection of alarms. Concluding the manual is a discussion of basic alarm maintenance and testing procedures, and the factors to consider in developing an escape plan in the event of a fire. (Related documents include Smoke Detectors and Legislation, CE 017 147, and Smoke Detector Resource Catalog, CE 017 146.) (JH)