Free Smoke Alarms
SLFD offers free smoke alarm inspection and installation for all city residents. If necessary, we will replace your smoke alarm batteries or install new smoke alarms at no cost. Please call us to schedule an appointment.
It is our department policy not to give away 9-volt batteries or smoke alarms to residents who stop by the fire station. By firefighters installing the 9-volt battery or smoke alarm, we are able to ensure the smoke alarm is installed correctly and is operational.
Non-working smoke alarms rob residents of the protective benefits they are designed to provide. The most commonly cited cause of non-working smoke alarms: worn or missing batteries.
“The peak time for home fire fatalities is between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. when most families are sleeping,” says Chief Kennedy. “Smoke alarm maintenance is a simple, effective way to reduce home fire deaths. Children and senior citizens are most at risk, and a working smoke alarm can give them the extra seconds they need to get out safely.”
- Install smoke alarms inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement.
- Larger homes may need additional smoke alarms to provide enough protection.
- For the best protection, interconnect all smoke alarms so when one sounds they all sound.
- Smoke alarms should be installed away from the kitchen to prevent false alarms. Generally, they should be at least 10 feet from a cooking appliance.
- Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.