Escambia County Fire Rescue has a program to provide and install FREE smoke alarms for anyone that needs one. This program was designed to provide our citizens with a smoke alarm for their home. Over the years, the department has installed numerous smoke alarms 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 alarms can provide the early warning necessary to escape a deadly fire. To be effective, smoke alarms must be installed in the right location and they must be maintained. Most fire deaths occur in homes without properly placed or maintained smoke alarms. 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 alarms in your home. A properly placed and working smoke alarm will wake you in time to escape. For information about obtaining a home smoke alarm, call 850-595-HERO (4376). City of Pensacola residents may call 850-436-5200 for smoke alarm installation assistance. Or click the following link to make a request:

Smoke Alarm Tips

Minimum Protection

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

Placement

Proper placement of the smoke alarm 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 alarms away from air vents and ceiling fans.

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

• Test your smoke alarms once every month. Just push the test button once to make sure you hear the loud beep, beep, beep sound. That means it’s working. If it doesn’t sound, then change its battery or, if the unit is over 10 years old, replace the entire unit.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning to keep smoke alarms working properly. Cleaning instructions are included in the package or can be found on the internet.
• 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.

What are the sounds coming from my smoke alarm(s)?

• A continued set of three loud beeps—beep, beep, beep—means smoke or fire. Get out, call 9-1-1, and stay out.
• A single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be changed.
• All smoke alarms must be replaced 10 years after its manufacturing date.
• Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must be replaced.
• Learn the sounds of your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms by checking the user guide or search the brand and model online.

 Request a Home Smoke Alarm