Fire Prevention Week Spotlights Importance of Working Smoke Alarms

The Madison Fire Department joins agencies across the country to celebrate national Fire Prevention Week, October 6-12. The occasion serves to raise awareness about the most important ways to protect yourself and your household from fire-related injuries or death.

Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You!

Roughly three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. Smoke alarms provide early warning about fire so you have time to escape safely before calling 911.

There are three ways to make smoke alarms work for you: Install, Test, Replace!

Install

In Madison, all smoke alarms must be tamper-proof and have a long-life battery.

The number of smoke alarms you need depends on the unique layout of your home. There should be a smoke alarm installed in every bedroom, every sleeping area, and within six feet of each door leading to a bedroom or sleeping area. There should also be a smoke alarm on every floor of your home, including your basement.

View sample floor plans to understand where smoke alarms should be placed.

Follow the manufacturer’s directions when installing smoke alarms. Alarms hard-wired to the home’s electrical system should be installed by a professional.

Mount alarms high on a wall or on the ceiling. Wall-mounted alarms should be installed so they are 4 to 12 inches from the ceiling. A ceiling-mounted alarm should be attached at least 4 inches from the nearest wall.

Test

Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the “test” button. This verifies that the smoke alarm has power. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for keeping the alarm clean and in working order.

Replace

Replace all smoke alarms when they are ten years old or when they stop responding when tested. If your alarm “chirps,” there is often a guide on the back of the alarm to explain what those chirps mean. A chirp may be a signal that the alarm should be replaced.

Make sure smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities. Get more information from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Each year, countless fires are caught early because homes in the City of Madison are protected by working smoke alarms. This Fire Prevention Week, take a moment to make sure your home is outfitted with the right number of properly placed smoke alarms. This small investment can make a big difference in the well being and safety of yourself and your loved ones.

More Information: Explore the resources available on our Smoke Alarms page, including tips for renters and property owners.