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Escambia CountyFlorida
Smoke Alarms Save Lives

Free smoke alarm program

Help protect your home and family

Escambia County Fire Rescue provides and installs free smoke alarms for Escambia County residents who need one.

Request a Home Smoke Alarm Call 850-595-HERO (4376)

Why alarms matter

Working smoke alarms save lives

Source: National Fire Protection Association

3 in 5

home fire deaths result from fires in properties without working smoke alarms.

More than 1/3

of home fire deaths result from fires in which no smoke alarms are present.

50% lower risk

The risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms.

Early warning gives you time to escape

Smoke alarms can provide the early warning necessary to escape a deadly fire. To be effective, alarms must be installed in the right locations and properly maintained.

Smoke from a fire can put you into a deeper sleep. A properly placed and working smoke alarm can wake you in time to protect yourself and your family.

Home safety guidance

Smoke Alarm Tips

Minimum Protection

  • Install one smoke alarm outside each sleeping area.
  • Install one smoke alarm on every level of your home.
  • Install an additional smoke alarm in each bedroom.

Proper Placement

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and these basic guidelines:

  • Mount alarms on the ceiling or wall. Ceiling-mounted alarms should be at least 4 inches from the wall. Wall-mounted alarms should be between 4 and 12 inches below the ceiling.
  • Keep smoke alarms away from air vents and ceiling fans.
  • If an alarm near a kitchen or shower activates unnecessarily, relocate it closer to a bedroom area.

Care and Maintenance

  • Test your smoke alarms every month by pressing the test button and listening for the loud alarm sound.
  • If an alarm does not sound, replace its battery. If the unit is more than 10 years old, replace the entire alarm.
  • Follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions to keep alarms working properly.
  • Change replaceable batteries when you change your clocks in the spring and fall.
  • A periodic beep or chirp means the battery is low. Replace the battery immediately.

Know Your Alarm Sounds

  • Three loud beeps: Smoke or fire has been detected. Get out, call 9-1-1 and stay out.
  • One chirp every 30 or 60 seconds: The battery is low and must be changed.
  • Chirping after the battery is replaced: The alarm has reached the end of its life and must be replaced.
  • Replace every smoke alarm 10 years after its manufacturing date.
  • Learn the sounds of your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms by reviewing the user guide or searching for the brand and model online.

Request a free home smoke alarm

Escambia County Fire Rescue can provide and install an alarm for residents who need one.

Submit a Request
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