Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms save lives, but only if they are properly installed and functioning. Most fatalities happen in homes without working smoke alarms.
Install
The Burbank Fire Department recommends that you install at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home, including the basement. Be sure your smoke alarms are near bedrooms and other sleeping areas in your home. Smoke alarms are designed to wake you up if a fire starts while you are sleeping. For more information, watch the video Smart Choices for Smoke Alarm Placement.
Test
Battery-operated detectors should be tested once a month to ensure they are working.
Change
Replace the batteries in your smoke alarm immediately if an alarm “chirps” to indicate a low battery.
NOTE: Smoke detectors manufactured after January 1, 2014 contain a nonreplaceable, nonremovable battery that is capable of powering the unit for at least 10 years. These devices should still be tested monthly and replaced every 10 years.
False Alarms
Use the hush button to silence a false alarm. Never disconnect or remove the battery. If your smoke alarm does not have a hush button use a magazine or kitchen towel to wave fresh air into the detection unit.
Replace
Replace your smoke alarm every 10 years. After 10 years, your smoke alarm will have been working consecutively for 87,000 hours. No other appliance in your home works this long. If you do not know how old your smoke alarm is or if it is 10 years or older, replace it as soon as possible.
Additional Resources
Residential Smoke Alarms Brochure
US Fire Administration
National Fire Protection Association
False Alarms
Use the hush button to silence a false alarm. Never disconnect or remove the battery. If your smoke alarm does not have a hush button use a magazine or kitchen towel to wave fresh air into the detection unit.
Replace
Replace your smoke alarm every 10 years. After 10 years, your smoke alarm will have been working consecutively for 87,000 hours. No other appliance in your home works this long. If you do not know how old your smoke alarm is or if it is 10 years or older, replace it as soon as possible.
Additional Resources
Residential Smoke Alarms Brochure
US Fire Administration
National Fire Protection Association