The current fire code, as set by the Rhode Island Division of State Fire Marshal, requires smoke detectors to be placed as follows:
Structures built prior to June 30, 1976 through February 3, 2004
Smoke detectors should be placed at the highest habitable level and every level below, outside the bedrooms, and at the bottom of the basement stairs. All should be ceiling mounted.
Structures built after February 3, 2004
Smoke detectors should have the same placement as above, except smoke detectors in all bedrooms.