Smoke Alarm Safety

Everyday safety

Working smoke alarms provide early warning of a fire. Learn where alarms belong, how to test them, and when to replace them.

A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area, on every level of the home.
Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound.
Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
Test your smoke alarms at least once a month.
There are two kinds of alarms. Ionization alarms are quicker to warn about flaming fires; photoelectric alarms are quicker for smoldering fires. It’s best to use both types.
When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside.
Replace all smoke alarms in your home every 10 years.
Smoke alarms are not expensive and are worth the lives they can help save.
A smoke alarm with a dead or missing battery is the same as having no smoke alarm at all. Take care of your alarms according to the manufacturer’s instructions.