Smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries. If there is a fire in your home, smoke spreads fast and you need smoke alarms to give you time to get out. 

In two separate incidents this year, working smoke alarms alerted sleeping occupants that there was a fire and they were able to safely evacuate their residence. 

Some important things to know

• A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.  Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area.  Install alarms on every level of the home.
• Smoke alarms should be interconnected.  When one sounds, they all sound.
• Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
• Test your smoke alarms at least once a month.  Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
• Today's smoke alarms will be more technologically advanced to respond to a multitude of fire conditions, yet mitigate false alarms.
• A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall.  Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms.  They should be at least 10 feet from the stove.
• People who are hard-of-hearing or deaf can use special alarms.  These alarms have strobe lights and bed shakers.
• When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside.
• Replace all smoke alarms in your home every 10 years.
• It is recommended that you replace your smoke alarm battery once per year.

For questions, please contact the Lake Havasu City Fire Department, Public Education