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.
If you need more information about, can't afford to purchase, or can't physically install a smoke alarm, the Red Cross may be able to help through their Red Cross Home Fire Campaign. Please use their Smoke Alarm Request Form if you need help getting and installing a smoke alarm. They also have specialized alarms for families with limited hearing. Smoke alarms are important safety devices, because roughly 3 out of 5 fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
Smoke alarm and fire safety tips
- Install smoke alarms in every bedroom. They should also be outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. Install alarms in the basement (if applicable).
- 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. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
- Current alarms on the market use different types of technology including multi-sensing, which could include smoke and carbon monoxide combined.
- A new smoke alarm will be more technologically advanced than older alarms to respond to different fire conditions, yet mitigate false alarms.
- 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 (3 meters) from the stove.
- People who are hard of hearing or d/Deaf can use special alarms. These alarms have strobe lights and bed shakers.
- A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
- Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.