Residential Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarm with smoke and a glowing red light.

Don’t wait – Check the Date!

Diagram illustrating replacement of smoke alarms after 10 years, showing a cycle with old and new alarms.

Age matters when it comes to your smoke alarms. Check the manufacture dates on your smoke alarms today. Replace your smoke alarms every ten years.

The image encourages monthly testing of smoke alarms for fire safety, featuring a smoke detector and the American Red Cross logo.

Check your smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the button to be sure the alarm is working

Calendar with "Test" on the 16th and a finger pressing the test button on a smoke detector.

The National Fire Protection Association states that 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.

Safety Tips

nfpa.org/education

  • Install smoke alarms in every bedroom. They should be outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. Install alarms in the basement.
  • 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 employ different types of technology including multi-sensing, which could include smoke and carbon monoxide combined.
  • Today’s smoke alarms will be more technologically advanced to respond to a multitude of 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 deaf can use special alarms. These alarms have strobe lights and bed shakers.
  • Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.
A sleeping child with text: "Only working smoke alarms save lives" and an image of a smoke alarm.

Roughly three out of every five fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.

Infographic on smoke alarm safety: install in every bedroom, test monthly, replace every 10 years. Evacuate when it alarms.

If you are in need of working smoke alarms in your home, South Beach Regional Fire Authority partners with the American Red Cross. The American Red Cross provides the smoke alarms and South Beach RFA will install them at no charge.  

Please contact our South Beach RFA office at 360-268-9832 to schedule an appointment. We look forward to serving you.

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