Smoke Detectors

Early warning allows people to escape before a fire spreads and smoke alarms are vital for preventing fire-related injuries and fatalities. A Johns Hopkins University study found that working smoke alarms could have prevented 75% of residential fire deaths and 84% of fire-related injuries. Homes are where the greatest fire risks exist, making smoke alarms essential for safety. In addition to saving lives, having functional alarms can lower homeowner’s insurance premiums. Despite their importance, studies show that 1 in 5 homes lack properly functioning smoke alarms, often due to battery failure, age, or absence.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can build up in places with fuel-burning equipment. CO is highly toxic and a leading cause of accidental deaths. When properly installed, CO detectors, or combination smoke and CO detectors (check the label), can provide you with early warning and prevent un-necessary injury and death.

There are many ways to get smoke/CO detection for your home. Most alarm agencies will install smoke/CO alarms as part of the alarm system. These will send a signal to the alarm agency and potentially alert the fire department for you. Detectors can also be purchased at your local home improvement store. Some local fire departments may also be able to provide a smoke detector to you free of charge and some may install it for you.

If you are installing smoke alarms yourself, it is good to note the following. Location: It is recommended that smoke alarms be placed in each bedroom/sleeping area, as well as the hallways outside the sleeping area and one on each floor, as shown on this helpful diagram.

Because smoke rises, it is important to install your smoke alarms on the ceiling or on a wall 6 to 12 inches from the ceiling. Avoid installing the alarm in corners. This is known as a “dead air space.” Stand-alone CO alarms should be installed somewhere above the height of the bed in bedrooms and above five feet in hallways/living rooms.

Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years or sooner if recommended by the manufacturer. If your alarm has replaceable batteries, they should be replaced every six months. Any detector that is hard-wired should be maintained by a competent electrician. For renters, it’s important to check your rental agreement. Some of the responsibilities of smoke alarm maintenance may fall on you as the tenant.