Toss'em in 10

Regardless of whether your home has battery-powered or hard-wired smoke alarms, they need to be replaced every 10 years. The older the alarm, the longer it takes to recognize a fire and alert you. Since a fire can double in size every 2 minutes (sometimes quicker!) ... you don't have time to spare.

One-half of home fire deaths occur in the 6 percent of homes with no smoke alarms.

In three of every 10 reported fires in homes equipped with smoke alarms, the devices did not work. Households with non-working smoke alarms now outnumber those with no smoke alarms.

Smoke alarms most often fail because of missing, dead or disconnected batteries.

Best Practices

  • Install at least one smoke alarm on every floor of your home (including the basement) and outside each sleeping area.
  • Because smoke rises, alarms should be mounted high on walls or ceilings.
  • Smoke alarms should not be installed near a window, door or forced-air register where drafts could interfere with their operation.
  • Test smoke alarms at least once a month.
  • Install new batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year, for example, on your birthday. We recommend doing this every 6 months (if it is not a lithium battery, which can last 7-10 years).
  • Replace all smoke alarm batteries immediately upon moving into a new home.
  • Keep batteries in smoke alarms; do not borrow them for other purposes.
  • Replace smoke alarms every 10 years.

For more information, please contact the Scottsdale Fire Department at 480-312-1855 or download an information sheet from the National Fire Prevention Association.

Installation Assistance

If you need assistance installing your battery-powered smoke alarm, please fill out the Smoke Alarm Request Form to schedule an appointment. This program is intended for low-income residences.

Scottsdale Fire Department representatives are not able to assist with alarms that are located in an area where it is not accessible due to height. We are also unable to replace or assist with alarms that are hard wired. It is the home owner's responsibility to have the smoke alarm installed or the battery replaced.

Last Updated: Oct 21, 2024

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8401 E. Indian School Road Witzeman Public Safety Building Scottsdale, AZ 85251
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