Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms save lives, but only if they are properly installed and functioning. Most fatalities happen in homes without working smoke alarms.


Recommendations are that you install at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home and inside every bedroom.


Battery-operated alarms should be tested once a month to ensure they are working.


Replace the batteries in your smoke alarm once a year.  If an alarm "chirps" to indicate a low battery – change it.

A ten-year lithium battery smoke alarm does not need to have its battery changed. Replace smoke alarms that use extended-life, lithium batteries when the alarm "chirps" or fails to respond to periodic testing. The batteries in these units cannot be replaced.

False Alarms

Use the hush button to silence a false alarm from cooking smoke or steam. Never disconnect or remove the battery. If your smoke alarm does not have a hush button use a magazine or kitchen towel to fan the smoke away from the alarm.


Replace your smoke alarms every ten years. If you do not know how old your smoke alarm is, or if it is ten years or older, replace it as soon as possible.