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    Smoke Alarm Maintenance

    Test monthly. Replace every 10 years.

    Test monthly

    1. Press TEST button. Hold 5 seconds.
    2. Should beep loudly + lights flash.
    3. If silent or weak — battery may be dead, OR alarm is past its life.
    4. Beep beep, pause, beep beep — battery low.
    5. Beep beep beep beep continuous — fire detected (treat as real).
    6. Alarm 3 quick beeps = CO detected (different tone).

    Replace every 10 years

    • Sensor degrades — even with fresh battery, it can't detect smoke.
    • Manufacture date on back of unit.
    • Replace ENTIRE alarm, not just battery.
    • 10-year sealed battery alarms eliminate yearly battery changes.
    • $15-25 each at hardware store.
    • Many fire departments install free for seniors.

    "Chirp won't stop"

    Single chirp every 30 seconds = battery low. Replace battery (or whole alarm if 10+ years old). If chirp continues after new battery — alarm is dead. Replace.

    Free smoke alarms for seniors

    • Many fire departments give FREE smoke alarms to seniors (call non-emergency line).
    • American Red Cross "Sound the Alarm" — free install events.
    • Some states (CA, FL) have programs specific to 65+.
    • Veterans + low-income often qualify.

    Smart smoke alarms

    • Nest Protect — $120. Voice tells you which room. Phone alert if away. Self-tests.
    • Kidde Smart — $50. Cheaper smart option.
    • First Alert OneLink — $80-130. Apple HomeKit.
    • Smart alarms WHOLE-HOUSE link — one alerts, all alert. Important if hearing-impaired.

    Set a calendar reminder

    First Sunday of each month — test alarms. Daylight saving time changes — change batteries. November + March. Most fire deaths happen in homes with non-working smoke alarms. 60 seconds saves lives.