Public Education

Smoke Alarms

  • Properly installed and maintained smoke alarms are the only thing that can alert you and your family to a fire in your house.
  • Two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes that were not equipped with smoke alarms.
  • Three Types of smoke alarms:
    • Ionization
    • Photoelectric
    • Dual Sensor - Ionization and Photoelectric
  • Install smoke alarms on each level or your home and in each sleeping area
    • Best practice is to install Both ionization AND photoelectric, OR
    • Dual Sensor smoke alarms.
  • Test smoke alarms and replace batteries regularly
    • Alarm powered by 9 volt battery
      • Test alarms monthly
      • Replace batteries at least once per year
      • Replace the entire smoke alarm unit every 8 - 10 years
    • Alarm powered by 10-year lithium ("long life") battery
      • Test alarms monthly
      • Do not attempt to replace the lithium battery & replace the unit according to manufacturer's instructions.
    • Alarm hardwired into home's electrical system
      • Test alarms monthly
      • Replace backup battery at least once per year
      • Replace the entire smoke alarm unit every 8 - 10 years.