What is a key consideration when installing smoke detectors in multi-story buildings?

In multi-story buildings, it is crucial to ensure that smoke detectors are placed on every level as this provides comprehensive coverage and enhances safety. Smoke can spread quickly throughout a building, and having detectors on each level ensures that any potential fire is detected early, giving occupants more time to react and evacuate safely.

Each floor can present different challenges in terms of smoke spread, and a detector on every level can effectively monitor areas where smoke may accumulate. Additionally, adhering to this practice aligns with fire safety codes and standards, which often require detectors in various locations throughout multi-story structures to maximize safety for all residents.

The other options do not provide adequate safety measures: only installing on the top floor would leave lower levels vulnerable, placing detectors solely in hallways might miss smoke from rooms, and stating that detectors are not necessary disregards the essential role they play in fire safety.