What are some common questions people have about smoke alarms and home safety?
Q: What’s the optimum placement of protection devices in my home?
A: Early detection of smoke, carbon monoxide, and natural gas is key to saving lives. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends installing a smoke alarm on every level of your home, including finished attics and basements. You are also encouraged to install a smoke detector inside every bedroom and at the top of certain stairways.
Q: Do I need four kinds of detectors, or can one do it all?
A: You never know what kind of hazard will strike your home, or when. That’s why we recommend technology that can detect carbon monoxide (CO) and natural gas as well as smoke and fire. You’ll get the most protection from devices that can quickly and accurately detect and respond to a range of threats.
Q: Do I need four different detectors, or can one device cover everything?
A: It really depends on your home and what you're looking to protect against. While there are some combination detectors available, no single device is perfect for every situation.
For the best protection, we recommend using the right detector for each type of hazard:
• Smoke Detectors for detecting fires early.
• Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors to catch dangerous CO buildup.
• Natural Gas Detectors if you use appliances powered by gas.
• Heat Detectors in places where smoke alarms might trigger false alerts (like kitchens or garages).
Tip: Using specialized detectors ensures more accurate detection and faster response times, giving you peace of mind that every area of your home is covered properly.
Q: What are “nuisance alarms”? Why are they a concern?
A: A smoke alarm that goes off when there’s no emergency is annoying. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), such “nuisance alarms” are the leading reason why homeowners intentionally disable their smoke detectors. Yet doing so can be deadly. A survey conducted by the NFPA found that smoke alarms sounded in only half of the home fires reported to U.S. fire departments, and almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
Note: For more information, see this study from the University of Maryland Department of Fire Protection Engineering.
Q: How often should I replace the battery in my smoke, CO and natural gas alarms?
A: Many of our alarms come with a 10-year sealed Permanent Power™ battery that never needs replacing during the 10-year life of the alarm. Batteries in non-sealed alarms should be replaced at least once a year or when the low battery signal sounds. Permanent Power™ battery technology helps keep you safe, because working smoke alarms are an important factor in surviving a home fire.
Note: UL217 Smoldering Smoke Test on 5/26/2010, Underwriters Laboratories Project #09CA38078.
Q: When is it time to replace my smoke detectors, CO and natural gas alarms?
A: Over time, dirt and grease can build up on detection devices, making them more likely to generate random nuisance alarms. For that reason, we recommend replacing your detection devices every 10 years, if not more often.
Q: When should I replace my smoke detectors, carbon monoxide, and natural gas alarms?
A: Over time, things like dust, grease, and everyday wear can affect how well your detectors work and even cause false alarms. That’s why we recommend replacing them at least every 10 years, or sooner if you notice any issues. Keeping your detectors up to date ensures they stay reliable when you need them most.