Stay Safe by Properly Installing, Maintaining Smoke Alarms

Home smoke alarms provide critical notice at the early signs of a fire. Did you know that you may have less than two minutes to escape your home once the smoke alarm sounds? While most homes have smoke alarms, they were not present in one-quarter of reported home fires between 2014 and 2018. Having properly installed working smoke alarms can keep you safe and provide some peace of mind.

Where to install smoke alarms

Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of the home (including the basement), outside each sleeping area, and inside each bedroom. For the best protection, interconnect all the smoke alarms so when one sounds, they all sound. A smoke alarm should be located on the ceiling or high on a wall.

Which type of smoke alarm is best

A working smoke alarm is the best smoke alarm, but it is important to buy smoke alarms that have been tested by a qualified testing laboratory. Smoke alarms can have many different features. The two most common types of smoke alarms are ionization and photoelectric. For the best protection or where extra time is needed to wake up or help others, both types or dual sensor ionization-photoelectric alarms are recommended. An ionization alarm is more responsive to flaming fires, and a photoelectric smoke alarm is more responsive to smoldering fires. Photoelectric smoke alarms are the best type of alarms to be installed near the kitchen and bathrooms to reduce nuisance alarms.

Testing and maintenance

To ensure your smoke alarm will work if needed, test them monthly by pushing the test button. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning to keep the smoke alarms working. Smoke alarms with non-replaceable (long-life) batteries are designed to work for up to 10 years. If the smoke alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.

For smoke alarms without non-replaceable (long-life) batteries, replace batteries at least once a year or if the alarm chirps. Replace smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or if they don’t respond when tested.

Free smoke/CO alarm program

The Seattle Fire Department provides free combination smoke/CO (carbon monoxide) alarms to qualifying Seattle homeowners who live in their homes. The smoke/CO alarms are battery-powered and are installed by Seattle firefighters. To qualify for free smoke/CO alarms, you must:

1. Live in the City of Seattle
2. Own and live in your home (rental properties do not qualify and this program is not meant to satisfy sale/purchase requirements)
3. Identify as one of the following:
   • Senior (age 65 and up)
   • Live on a low income
   • Have any type of disability

Learn more about the program or apply for a free smoke/CO alarm.

Contributor William Mace works as an Education and Outreach Advisor with the Seattle Fire Department. His work focuses on increasing access and equity with vulnerable communities.