Free Smoke Alarms & Batteries
Residents who are unable to afford home smoke alarms can request that we provide and install them. Through a partnership with the American Red Cross, we are able to provide up to 3 smoke alarms per home, free of charge. If you already have smoke alarms and need help with batteries, we can provide those too. If you are interested in our free smoke alarm program or batteries, please complete our form here.
Battery Changes
Residents who need assistance with changing their smoke alarm batteries can request that we help. Sometimes, changing a smoke alarm battery is tough, whether because of physical disability or it’s just too high. In most cases, we are able to help. If you need help changing your batteries, please complete the form here.
Working smoke alarms are one of the most important things you can use to protect your family in the event of fire. Each year, three of every five home fire deaths result in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. Smoke alarms have become so common that we sometimes take them for granted, yet nationwide there are 5,000,000 households without smoke alarms.
Smoke Alarm Locations
Smoke alarms must be located in each bedroom, outside each bedroom and on every level of your home.
Power Source & Batteries
Smoke alarms may be hardwired or battery operated. Hardwired smoke alarms are wired to the home’s electrical system and a battery is required for operation in the event of a power failure. In battery operated smoke alarms, the alarm will not work without batteries. In either type, batteries must be changed every six months. Always install a new, fresh battery.
Never remove a smoke alarm battery for use in another appliance. All too often we forget to put a new one in.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Smoke alarms don’t need alot of care, but they do need occasional cleaning and replacement. For cleaning, a vacuum hose works best to ensure the vents are clear and clean. Smoke alarms should be cleaned every 6 months when the batteries are changed.
Most manufacturer’s recommend smoke alarms be replace after 10 years. They may not work properly.