Stay Fire Safe: Free Smoke Alarm Program for Seattle Homeowners

Did you know that once a fire begins to flame, it can double in size every 30 seconds? At that rate, a room can become fully engulfed in minutes. Smoke alarms provide a life saving warning during early signs of a fire. Properly installed and maintained smoke alarms help keep you safe.

Smoke alarm installation

At least one smoke alarm should be installed on every level of your home, including the basement, and inside every sleeping area. Smoke alarms should be located on the ceiling or high up on walls. Wall-mounted smoke alarms should not be located more than 12 inches away from the ceiling. Smoke alarms installed in the basement should be located on the ceiling at the bottom of the stairs leading to the next level. Always choose a smoke alarm labeled by a recognized testing laboratory.

Testing and maintenance

Test battery-operated alarms once a month to ensure they are working. Replace the batteries in your smoke alarm once a year. Each fall, when clocks are changed to mark the end of daylight saving time, install a new battery. If an alarm “chirps” to indicate a low battery, change it. A 10-year lithium battery smoke alarm does not need to have its battery changed. Replace smoke alarms that use extended-life, lithium batteries when the alarm “chirps” or fails to respond to periodic testing. The batteries in these units cannot be replaced. Replace your smoke alarms every 10 years. If you do not know how old your smoke alarm is, or if it is 10 years or older, replace it as soon as possible.

False alarms

Use the hush button to silence a false alarm from cooking smoke or steam. Never disconnect or remove the battery. If your smoke alarm does not have a hush button, use a magazine or kitchen towel to fan the smoke away from the alarm. Install smoke alarms at least 10 feet away from cooking appliances to avoid false alarms.

Free smoke/CO alarm program

The Seattle Fire Department provides free combination smoke/CO (carbon monoxide) alarms to qualifying Seattle homeowners. The smoke/CO alarms are battery powered, and are installed by Seattle firefighters. To qualify for free smoke/CO alarms, you must:

1. Live in the City of Seattle
2. Own and live in your home (rental properties do not qualify, and this program is not meant to satisfy sale/purchase requirements)
3. Identify as one of the following:
   • Senior (age 65 and up)
   • Live on a low income
   • Have any type of disability

Learn more about the program or apply for a free smoke/CO alarm.

Ren Hauptman is public relations specialist for the Seattle Fire Department.