Home Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms save lives

 OLYMPIA — Working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are one of the most effective ways to protect people in their homes from fire and toxic gas exposure. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that nearly three out of five home fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or with alarms that are not working.

In 2024, there were 66 deaths in Washington State where smoke alarms were not installed or operational, and two from carbon monoxide exposure.

Smoke alarms provide early warning to give occupants time to escape. Carbon monoxide alarms alert residents to the presence of an invisible, odorless gas that can be deadly before symptoms are noticed. Together, these devices provide lifesaving protection when properly installed, maintained, and tested regularly.

 The State Fire Marshal’s Office recommends these safety tips:

 Install smoke alarms inside every bedroom and on every level of your home. Install carbon monoxide alarms outside sleeping areas and on each level of the home, especially near fuel-burning appliances.

Interconnect smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms whenever possible so that when one sounds, all alarms alert occupants throughout the home.

Ionization smoke alarms respond more quickly to flaming fires, while photoelectric alarms are more effective at detecting smoldering fires. Photoelectric alarms are well-suited for areas near kitchens and bathrooms.

Test all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month and replace batteries in battery-operated units when you change your clocks for daylight saving time.

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms typically last up to 10 years. Replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions or if they fail to operate properly.

Never ignore a carbon monoxide alarm. If it sounds, move everyone outside to fresh air immediately and call 911 or your local fire department.

If you live in rental housing, contact your landlord or property manager for assistance. Under state law (RCW 43.44.110, Smoke Detection Devices in Dwelling Units), all rental units must have working smoke alarms at the time of move-in, and carbon monoxide alarms are required in all residential buildings under RCW 19.27.530.

For more information visit http://www.nfpa.org.