Escambia County Fire Rescue has a program to provide and install FREE smoke detectors for anyone that needs one. This program was designed to provide our citizens with a smoke detector for their home. Over the years, the department has installed numerous smoke detectors throughout Escambia County.

• Three out of five home fire deaths result from fires in properties without working smoke alarms
• More than one-third of home fire deaths result from fires in which no smoke alarms are present.
• The risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms.

Source: National Fire Protection Association       

Smoke detectors can provide the early warning necessary to escape a deadly fire. To be effective, smoke detectors must be installed in the right location and they must be maintained. Most fire deaths occur in homes without properly placed or maintained smoke detectors. If you have a fire, the smoke will act like an anesthetic and will put you in a deeper sleep. Therefore, you must protect yourself and your family by installing and maintaining smoke detectors in your home. A properly placed and working smoke detector will wake you in time to escape. For information about obtaining a home smoke detector, call 850-595-HERO (4376). City of Pensacola residents may call 850-436-5200 for smoke detector installation assistance. Or click the following link to make a request:

Smoke Detector Tips

Minimum Protection

• One smoke detector outside each sleeping area
• One smoke detector on each level of your home
• An additional smoke detector in each bedroom

Placement

Proper placement of the smoke detector is important. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions. The basic guidelines are as follows:

• Mount on the ceiling or wall. If on the ceiling, make sure it is at least 4" from the wall and if on the wall, it should be mounted between 4"-12" down from the ceiling (the corner between wall and ceiling is a dead air space).
• Keep smoke detectors away from air vents and ceiling fans.

• If detector is located near a kitchen or shower area, the detector may activate. If so, relocate the detector closer to a bedroom area.

• Battery operated smoke detectors should be checked weekly by pushing the test button. Hard-wired detectors should be checked at least monthly.
• Clean the detector periodically by removing the cover and dusting or vacuuming the detector.
• Change the battery when you change your clock in the spring and fall. 
• A periodic "beep" or "chirp" means the battery is low. Replace the battery immediately and don't remove or disconnect the battery before you have one to replace it.

 Request a Home Smoke Detector