Smoke Alarm Program

Smoke alarms save lives.

A properly installed and maintained smoke alarm is the only thing in your home that can alert you and your family to a fire 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Whether you’re awake or asleep, a working smoke alarm is constantly on alert, scanning the air for fire and smoke. If there is a fire in your home, smoke spreads fast and you need smoke alarms to give you time to get out. In fact, having a working smoke alarm cuts the chances of dying in a reported fire in half!

Did you know that roughly half of home fire deaths result from fires reported between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. when most people are asleep?

Did you know that the majority of fatal fires occur in homes without working smoke alarms?

Battery-operated smoke alarms and batteries are available for all households in need.

We are unable to replace hardwired smoke alarms.
Call 360-376-2331 for more information.
Grants are pursued in order for the fire department to fund this program.

Here's what you need to know and do to protect your family:

Install smoke alarms: In every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home.
Test your smoke alarms every month.
When a smoke alarm sounds. Get outside and Stay outside.
Replace all smoke alarms in your home every 10 years.

Smoke alarms powered by a 9-volt battery

Test the alarm monthly.
Replace the batteries at least twice per year (such as when you turn your clocks ahead in the spring and back in the fall).
Replace the entire unit every 8–10 years.

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

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

Smoke alarm hardwired into the home’s electrical system

Test the alarm monthly.
Replace the backup battery at least once per year.
Replace the entire unit every 8–10 years.

Related topic in our Education section: Carbon Monoxide Safety.