Smoke Alarm Program

Smoke alarms save lives.

A properly installed and maintained smoke alarm is the only thing in your home that can alert you and your family to a fire 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Whether you’re awake or asleep, a working smoke alarm is constantly on alert, scanning the air for fire and smoke. If there is a fire in your home, smoke spreads fast and you need smoke alarms to give you time to get out. In fact, having a working smoke alarm cuts the chances of dying in a reported fire in half!

Did you know that roughly half of home fire deaths result from fires reported between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. when most people are asleep?

Did you know that the majority of fatal fires occur in homes without working smoke alarms?

Battery-operated smoke alarms and batteries are available for all households in need.

  • We are unable to replace hardwired smoke alarms.
  • Call 360-376-2331 for more information.
  • Grants are pursued in order for the fire department to fund this program.
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Here's what you need to know and do to protect your family:

  1. Install smoke alarms: In every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home.
  2. Test your smoke alarms every month.
  3. When a smoke alarm sounds. Get outside and Stay outside.
  4. Replace all smoke alarms in your home every 10 years.
Smoke alarms powered by a 9-volt battery
  • Test the alarm monthly.
  • Replace the batteries at least twice per year (such as when you turn your clocks ahead in the spring and back in the fall).
  • Replace the entire unit every 8–10 years.
Smoke alarm powered by a 10-year lithium (or “long life”) batter
  • Test the alarm monthly.
  • Since you cannot (and should not) replace the lithium battery, the entire smoke alarm unit should be replaced according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Smoke alarm hardwired into the home’s electrical system
  • Test the alarm monthly.
  • Replace the backup battery at least once per year.
  • Replace the entire unit every 8–10 years.

Related topic in our Education section: Carbon Monoxide Safety.

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