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Smoke Alarm and Carbon Monoxide Detector Information

Did you know that most fires in the US occur in a home?

More than 370,000 home fires occur each year in the United States. Because we spend so much time at home, being prepared for a fire can make all the difference.

Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors Save Lives!

Working smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by about 60%. Many home fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or alarms that fail to operate.

Smoke alarms and CO detectors provide critical early warning, giving you time to get to safety. Once a smoke alarm sounds, you may have less than two minutes to escape.

Make sure alarms are installed in the right locations throughout your home, test them regularly, and replace them as recommended. A few simple steps can help protect you and your family.

How many of each detector do I need in my home?

Proper placement helps alarms detect danger early and gives everyone in the home more time to get to safety.

Smoke Alarms

At a minimum, install smoke alarms:

  • On every level of the home, including the basement.
  • Inside every bedroom.
  • Outside each sleeping area, such as in a hallway.

Install smoke alarms on the ceiling or high on a wall, since smoke rises. Keep alarms away from cooking appliances, bathrooms, vents, and other areas where cooking fumes, steam, or airflow may cause nuisance alarms or interfere with detection.

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper placement.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms

Install CO alarms:

  • On every level of the home.
  • Outside each sleeping area.
  • In additional locations as recommended by the manufacturer or required by local codes.

CO alarm placement can vary by model, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mounting height and location. Keep alarms clear of furniture, curtains, and other objects that could block airflow.

My alarms are making sounds, what do I do?

Knowing the difference between a beep and a chirp can help you know when there is an emergency and when your alarm needs attention.

  • Three loud beeps (BEEP, BEEP, BEEP) or a voice alert saying “FIRE! FIRE!” means smoke or fire has been detected. Get out, stay out, and call 911.
  • Four loud beeps (BEEP, BEEP, BEEP, BEEP), followed by a pause and then repeating, means carbon monoxide has been detected. Get outside, stay outside, and call 911.
  • A single chirp every 30–60 seconds typically means the battery is low and needs to be replaced.
  • If chirping continues after the battery is replaced, the alarm may have reached the end of its life and should be replaced.

Alarm sounds can vary by manufacturer, so always check the instructions for your specific model.

How often should detectors be tested?

Test all smoke and CO alarms at least once a month to make sure they are working properly. Most alarms can be tested by pressing and holding the test button until the alarm sounds.

If an alarm does not sound during testing, replace the battery if applicable and test it again. If it still does not work, replace the alarm.

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for testing and maintaining your specific alarms.

How often should I change my batteries?

A chirping smoke alarm usually warns that the battery is low and needs to be replaced. Don’t wait for the chirp. Replace batteries regularly to keep your alarms ready.

For smoke alarms with replaceable batteries, install fresh batteries at least once a year. A simple reminder: change them when you change your clocks in the fall.

Some smoke alarms have sealed, 10-year batteries that do not require battery replacement during the life of the alarm. These can be a convenient option if remembering to change batteries is a challenge.

Remember, smoke alarms themselves don't last forever. Replace smoke alarms every 10 years, or sooner if they don't work properly when tested.

How often should I replace my detectors?

Smoke alarms don’t last forever. Most should be replaced 10 years from the date of manufacture, which can usually be found on the back or side of the alarm.

Replace the alarm sooner if it reaches the manufacturer’s listed expiration date, fails a monthly test, or shows other signs that it is no longer working properly.

Looking for more information? Please visit these links for smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

Need Help with Your Alarms?

The Greeley Fire Department (GFD) may be able to help residents who can't replace non-hardwired smoke alarms or change smoke alarm batteries.

Please keep in mind:

  • GFD does not provide smoke alarms for rental properties. Renters should contact their property manager for assistance.
  • Fire crews carry a limited number of alarms for immediate life-safety needs and cannot replace all smoke or CO alarms in a residence.
  • GFD does not service, replace, or modify hardwired smoke alarm systems or perform electrical work. Please contact a licensed electrician for these needs.

Request GFD Assistance

Call 970-350-9500 or email gfd@greeleygov.com. A GFD representative will respond within two to three business days.