Smoke Alarm Safety

Your first line of defense against fire

Why Smoke Alarms Matter

  • • Three out of five home fire deaths result from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
  • • Working smoke alarms cut the chance of dying in a fire in half.
  • • Smoke alarms should be tested at least once a month.

Where to Install Smoke Alarms

  • Install smoke alarms inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement.
  • On levels without bedrooms, install alarms in the living room or near the stairway to the upper level.
  • Smoke alarms should be installed on the ceiling or high on a wall (4-12 inches from ceiling).
  • Install smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms (at least 10 feet from cooking appliances).

Maintenance Tips

Monthly

Test all smoke alarms by pressing the test button. You should hear a loud alarm.

Every 6 Months

Vacuum or dust your smoke alarms to keep them working properly.

Annually

Replace batteries in all smoke alarms (unless they have 10-year sealed batteries).

Every 10 Years

Replace all smoke alarms. Check the manufacture date on the back of the alarm.

Types of Smoke Alarms

Ionization Alarms

More responsive to flaming fires. Best for areas away from kitchens and bathrooms.

Photoelectric Alarms

More responsive to smoldering fires. Less prone to false alarms from cooking.

Combination Alarms

Use both ionization and photoelectric technology. Provide the best protection.

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Content source: National Fire Protection Association