Most deadly fires happen at night, when people are asleep. Smoke alarms provide an early warning of a fire, giving people additional time to escape. It’s important to properly install and maintain your home smoke alarms.

Replace alarms every 10 years

Smoke alarms lose their effectiveness over time and should be replaced at least every 10 years.

To find out how old your smoke alarm is (expiration date) simply look on the back of the alarm where the date of manufacture is marked. The smoke alarm should be replaced 10 years from that date.

Help with smoke alarms

South County Fire offers free smoke alarms for those who cannot afford them and reside within our service area. Learn more about our home safety evaluation program and assistance with smoke alarms.

We are unable to assist with the following:

• We cannot assist with ceilings over 12 feet in height.
• We cannot assist with rewiring of hardwired smoke alarms.
• We do not have Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms for distribution but can assist with installing if homeowner/occupant already has the alarms.
• We cannot provide smoke alarms for home resale purposes. 

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that is often called the "silent killer". It is created when fuel source doesn't burn completely. CO gas can kill people and pets.

Washington State law (RCW 19.27.530) requires carbon monoxide alarms to be installed in new homes. As of January 1, 2013, carbon monoxide alarms are required in existing homes, apartments and condominium properties, with some exceptions.

Installing CO alarms 

Installing CO alarms can give you an early warning if CO is detected in your home and protect your family and pets. CO alarms should be installed outside of each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation and maintenance.

Maintenance of alarms

Just like smoke alarms, CO alarms have to be maintained over their lifespan. If your alarm is beeping every 30 seconds, the battery may need to be changed or the alarm has reached its end of life. Most CO alarms last up to 7 years.  Replace the CO alarm according to manufacturer’s instructions or when the end-of-life signal sounds. 

Go outside and call 911 if:

• The alarm is beeping continuously without stopping, which could indicate CO is present.
• You feel sudden signs of CO poisoning such as dizziness, headache, vomiting or flu like symptoms.

Do you and your family know how to escape quickly in the event of a fire? Just like fire drills at school, practicing how to get out quickly will make things a little less scary if there is ever a fire in your home.

Create and practice your home escape plan. 

• Download our escape plan worksheet (PDF) and draw a simple floor plan of your home.
• Label two ways out of every room – especially sleeping areas.
• Decide on a family meeting place in a safe area outside.
• Go over the plan with every member of your family.
• Check the smoke alarms in your home by pressing the TEST button each month.
• Practice the plan with your family.