Importance of Having Working Smoke Alarms

60% of home fire deaths are in homes without working smoke alarms, often because they were missing, disabled, or had dead batteries. The risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms. Early detection reduces the likelihood of serious injury by helping occupants avoid toxic smoke, which is the leading cause of death in home fires. Properly installed and maintained smoke alarms also help first responders by increasing the chance that occupants have evacuated prior to fire department arrival. 

Types of Smoke Alarms Available for Purchase

There are many brands of smoke alarms on the market. They fall under two basic types: ionization and photoelectric.

Ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms detect fire in different ways. Ionization alarms are designed to detect fast flaming fires with little visible smoke, whereas photoelectric detects slow smoldering fires. Since no one can predict what type of fire might start in their home, the United States Fire Administration and the National Fire Protection Association recommends that every home and place where people sleep have:

Both ionization AND photoelectric smoke alarms OR Dual sensor smoke alarms, which contain both ionization and photoelectric smoke sensors.

Choose interconnected smoke alarms, so when one sounds, they all sound.

There are also alarms for people with hearing loss. These alarms may have strobe lights that flash and/or vibrate to alert those who are unable to hear standard smoke alarms when they sound.

Alarm type and cost 

• Ionization and photoelectric: $10 - $40 each
• Dual sensor: $40 to $100 each

Alarm type and cost 

Smoke alarms are powered by battery or by your home's electrical system. If the smoke alarm is powered by battery, it runs on either a disposable 9V or AA battery or a non-replaceable 10-year lithium (“long-life”) battery. Alarms that get power from your home's electrical system, or “hardwired,” usually have a back-up battery that will need to be replaced once a year.

Where do I put smoke alarms in my home?

A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Put smoke alarms inside and outside each bedroom and sleeping area. Put alarms on every level of the home. It is recommended smoke alarms be interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound.

Place smoke alarms on the ceiling or high on the wall. Check the manufacturer's instructions for the best place for your alarm.

Only qualified electricians should install hardwired smoke alarms.

How do I take care of my smoke alarm? 

A smoke alarm with a dead or missing battery is the same as having no smoke alarm at all. A smoke alarm only works when it is properly installed and regularly tested. Take care of your smoke alarms according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Below are some general maintenance tips.

Smoke alarm powered by a replaceable battery

• Test the alarm monthly.
• Replace the batteries at least twice every year.
• Replace the entire smoke alarm every 10 years.

Smoke alarm powered by a 10-year lithium (or “long-life”) battery

• Test the alarm monthly.
• Since you cannot (and should not) replace the lithium battery, replace the entire smoke alarm according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Smoke alarm that is hardwired into your home's electrical system

• Test the alarm monthly.
• Replace the backup battery at least once every year.
• Replace the entire smoke alarm every 10 years.

I have a monitored alarm system.  Does the Brownsburg Fire Territory require notification?

The Brownsburg Fire Territory does not require notification or registration for monitored fire alarm systems.  Please ensure your central station utilizes the Hendricks County Dispatch non-emergency phone number of (317) 838-3700.  This number is available 24/7/365 and its operators are empowered to dispatch.