Test the Alarms: Helping Neighbors Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are some of the simplest, most important safety devices in any home. They are also some of the easiest to forget. They sit quietly on the ceiling for years, and many people only think about them when one starts chirping at three in the morning.

The start of Daylight Saving Time is a widely shared reminder to check these alarms. For neighbors who are older, live with a disability, or simply cannot reach the ceiling safely, a helping hand with this five-minute task can be truly lifesaving.

Why Working Alarms Matter

A home fire can spread very quickly, and smoke can make it hard to see or breathe within minutes. A working smoke alarm gives people precious time to get out. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas produced by fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, boilers, water heaters, gas stoves, fireplaces, and running vehicles. Without an alarm, people may not realize it is building up until they feel sick.

Older New England homes, triple-deckers, and apartment buildings often have older heating systems and many rooms on several floors, which makes having enough working alarms especially important.

How to Test a Smoke or CO Alarm

Most alarms have a test button. Testing is quick:

1. Let everyone in the home know you are about to test, since the sound is loud.
2. Stand safely below the alarm. Use a sturdy step stool with someone nearby, or a broom handle to press the button from the floor if the alarm is designed for that.
3. Press and hold the test button until the alarm sounds.
4. If it does not sound, or the sound is weak, replace the battery and test again.
5. If it still does not work, the alarm itself needs to be replaced.

A general guideline many fire safety experts share is to test alarms monthly and replace batteries according to the manufacturer’s directions. Some newer alarms have sealed batteries designed to last the life of the unit.

Check the Date on the Back

Alarms do not last forever, even if the test button still works. Most have a manufacture date printed on the back. Many manufacturers and fire departments recommend replacing smoke alarms about every ten years, and carbon monoxide alarms often have shorter lifespans. Check the label or instructions for your specific model.

If an alarm is more than ten years old, or you cannot find a date at all, it is a good time to replace it.

Where Alarms Should Be

Placement matters as much as working batteries. Common guidance includes:

• A smoke alarm on every level of the home, including the basement
• Smoke alarms inside or just outside each sleeping area
• Carbon monoxide alarms on each level and near sleeping areas, especially in homes with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages
• Alarms placed away from kitchens and bathrooms where steam or cooking can cause false alarms

Massachusetts has specific requirements for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in residential buildings. Your local fire department can explain what applies to your home, and renters can ask their landlord who is responsible for maintenance.

What That Chirp Means

A single chirp every minute or so usually means the battery is low. Some alarms also chirp to signal the end of their life. Do not ignore it, and do not simply remove the battery and forget about it. Replace the battery or the unit as soon as possible.

If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds a full alarm, not just a chirp, get everyone outside to fresh air and call 911. Do not go back inside until emergency responders say it is safe.

Helping Neighbors Who Cannot Reach

For many people, the hardest part is physical. Climbing a step stool to reach a ceiling can be risky for older adults or people with balance concerns. This is where neighbors can help.

A friendly way to offer:

“I’m testing my smoke alarms this weekend since the clocks changed. I’ve got a step stool and some spare batteries. Want me to check yours while I’m at it?”

When you help:

• Bring the right batteries. Many alarms use 9-volt or AA batteries, but check before you go.
• Work with a second person when using a step stool or ladder.
• Test every alarm in the home, not just the one in the hallway.
• Write the date tested on a small piece of tape near the alarm or on a calendar.
• Let the resident or landlord know if an alarm needs to be replaced.

When to Call the Fire Department

Many local fire departments offer home safety guidance and some help residents, especially older adults, with smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Call the department’s non-emergency number to ask what is available in your community. Never call 911 for routine questions.

Pair It With a Home Escape Plan

Working alarms are only part of the picture. While you are thinking about safety, take a few minutes to review a simple escape plan:

• Know two ways out of every room, if possible.
• Make sure windows used for escape can open.
• Keep hallways and stairs clear of clutter.
• Choose a meeting spot outside, such as a mailbox or a neighbor’s porch.
• Make sure anyone who needs help getting out has a plan and a person assigned to help.

Quick Alarm Checklist

• Test every smoke and CO alarm.
• Replace weak batteries.
• Check manufacture dates and replace old units.
• Confirm alarms are on every level and near bedrooms.
• Offer to help a neighbor who cannot safely reach their alarms.
• Review your home escape plan.