Smoke Detectors

The Impact of Smoke Alarms

In the 1960’s, the average U. S. citizen had never heard of a smoke alarm. By 1995, an estimated 93 percent of all American homes – single – and multi- family, apartments, nursing homes, dormitories, etc. – were equipped with alarms. By the mid 1980’s, smoke alarm laws, requiring that alarms be placed in all new and existing residences – existed in 38 states and thousands of municipalities nationwide. And smoke alarm provisions have been adopted by all of the model building code organizations.



Why should my home have smoke alarms?


Okay, where do I put them?



Where would I get smoke alarms?


Are smoke alarms hard to install?


How do I keep my smoke alarms working?


  1. Simply replace the batteries at least once a year.
    Tip: Pick a holiday or your birthday and replace the batteries each year on that day. Some smoke alarms now on the market come with a ten-year battery. These alarms are designed to be replaced as a whole unit, thus avoiding the need for battery replacement. If your smoke alarm starts making a “chirping” noise, replace the batteries and reset it.
  2. Keep them clean. Dust and debris can interfere with their operation, so vacuum over and around your smoke alarm regularly.

What if the alarm goes off while I’m cooking?


How long will my smoke alarm last?


Anything else I should know?

Some smoke alarms are considered to be “hard wired.” This means they are connected to the household electrical system and may or may not have battery back-up. It’s important to test every smoke alarm monthly. And always use new batteries when replacing old ones.

Source USFA


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