Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms are a key part of a home fire escape plan. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly.

Safety tips with smoke alarms
  • Install smoke alarms inside and outside each bedroom and sleeping area. Ensure alarms are installed on every level of the home; including the basement. 
  • Large homes may need extra smoke alarms. 
  • It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms. When one smoke alarm sounds they all sound.
  • Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. When testing be sure to press the test button to be sure the alarms are working properly. 
  • A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall. Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms. They should be at least 10 feet from the stove. 
  • Replace smoke alarms every 10 years.
  • People who are hard-of-hearing or deaf can use special alarms with strobe lights and bed shakers. 
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Quick facts about smoke alarms
  • A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. 
  • Smoke alarms should be installed inside every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level. Smoke alarms should be connected so when one sounds, they all sound. Most homes do not have this level of protection.
  • Roughly three out of every five fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms or the alarms are not working properly.
During Daylight Saving Time, it is a good reminder to change your batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. 

For information specific to smoke alarms, visit the National Fire Protection Association. 

For more information, visit the Polk County Emergency Management website.