Fire Prevention

SMOKE ALARM SAFETY TIPS
Smoke alarms save lives. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast and you need smoke alarms to give you time to get out.

Safety tips
  • Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement Test alarms at least monthly by pushing the test button.
  • Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year. If an alarm "chirps”, warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away.
  • Replace all smoke alarms, including alarms that use 10-year batteries and hard-wired alarms, when they are 10 years old or sooner if they do not respond properly.
  • Be sure the smoke alarm has the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
  • Alarms that are hard-wired (and include battery backup) must be installed by a qualified electrician.
  • If cooking fumes or steam sets off nuisance alarms, replace the alarm with an alarm that has a "hush" button. A "hush" button will reduce the alarm’s sensitivity for a short period of time.
  • Smoke alarms that include a recordable voice announcement in addition to the usual alarm sound, may be helpful in waking children through the use of a familiar voice.
  • Smoke alarms are an important part of a home fire escape plan.