Lower Providence Fire Department is committed to ensuring the safety of our residents. Smoke alarms are a critical part of home safety, providing an early warning that can save lives in the event of a fire. Here, we provide essential information on the importance of smoke alarms, how to properly install and maintain them, and what steps to take in case of an emergency.

Why Smoke Alarms Are Essential

Smoke alarms play a vital role in keeping your home and family safe. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), having a working smoke alarm in your home reduces the risk of dying in a fire by nearly half. Early detection of smoke and fire can give you and your loved ones the precious seconds needed to evacuate safely.

Smoke Alarm Installation

For maximum protection, it’s important to install smoke alarms in the right locations and ensure they are properly maintained. Here are the recommended guidelines:

1. Location:

   • Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home, including the basement.
   • Smoke alarms should be placed at least 10 feet from cooking appliances to reduce false alarms.
   • Install alarms high on walls or ceilings, as smoke rises. If mounting on the ceiling, place the alarm at least 4 inches from the nearest wall. For wall-mounted units, install them 4 to 12 inches from the ceiling.

2. Type of Smoke Alarms:

   • Ionization smoke alarms are more responsive to flaming fires, while photoelectric alarms are more responsive to smoldering fires. For the best protection, we recommend using a combination of both technologies or installing dual-sensor alarms.
   • Interconnected smoke alarms are ideal, so that if one alarm sounds, they all do. This can be especially important in larger homes.

3. Special Considerations:

   • Hard of hearing: For individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, smoke alarms with strobe lights and vibrating pads are available. These alarms ensure everyone can be alerted in an emergency.

Smoke Alarm Maintenance

Proper maintenance of your smoke alarms is crucial to ensure they function correctly when needed.

1. Test your alarms: Test all smoke alarms at least once a month by pressing the test button. Ensure that the alarm sound is loud and clear.

2. Battery replacement:

   • Replace smoke alarm batteries at least once a year, or when the alarm begins to chirp, signaling that the battery is low.
   • For 10-year sealed battery alarms, replace the entire alarm after 10 years.

3. Full alarm replacement: All smoke alarms, including hard-wired ones, should be replaced every 10 years, as sensors lose sensitivity over time.

4. Cleaning: Gently vacuum smoke alarms every six months to remove dust and debris. Avoid using any harsh chemicals that could damage the sensors.

What to Do When the Alarm Sounds

If your smoke alarm sounds and you suspect there’s a fire:

1. React quickly: Don’t ignore the alarm. Fire can spread rapidly, and every second counts.

2. Exit the home: Immediately exit your home according to your family’s fire escape plan. Stay low to avoid inhaling smoke, which rises during a fire.

3. Call 9-1-1: Once outside, call 9-1-1 and report the fire. Never go back inside a burning building.

4. Stay out: Never re-enter your home until the fire department has declared it safe.

Lower Providence Fire Department Services

We are proud to support our community by offering free smoke alarm installations for residents in need, as well as assistance with testing and replacing alarms. Please note the the free smoke alarm installation program only applies to installation of the unit. The LPFD will not wire hardwire alarms or install fire alarm systems.If you are unsure about the condition of your smoke alarms or need help with installation, please complete the request form:  

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Requester Information
Last Name :
First Name :
Street Address :
City:
Zip Code :
Township :
Phone Number :
Email Address :
Assistance Needed
Assistance Requested :		Free Smoke Alarm(s) Request Smoke Alarm Installation Smoke Alarm Testing Smoke Alarm Question(s)
Number of Smoke Alarms Requested :
Home Information
Number of Stories in Residence : Please include basement
Number of Adults in the Home :
Number of Children in the Home :
Smoke Alarm Tips for Tenants and Landlords Under Pennsylvania law, landlords are responsible for ensuring that smoke alarms are installed and functional at the start of a lease. Tenants are responsible for maintaining and testing alarms during the rental period, including changing the batteries. Both parties should work together to maintain a safe living environment.