Day 3 Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector Safety


By Fire Prevention Team
October 6, 2026

Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector Safety Working smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are your family’s first line of defense against fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure your home has properly installed and functioning alarms, and test them regularly. Smoke Alarm Safety Install smoke alarms inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement. Test smoke alarms monthly by pressing the test button. For alarms with replaceable batteries, replace the batteries twice a year or whenever the alarm indicates a low battery. The key to remembering to change your batteries is Daylight Saving - "Change your Clock's : Change your Batteries" The Next Daylight saving is November 1st, 2026 Never remove the battery or disable an alarm because of nuisance alarms. Instead, have the alarm relocated or follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Clean alarms regularly to remove dust and debris. Replace smoke alarms when they reach 10 years from the date of manufacture, or sooner if they fail a test or the manufacturer requires earlier replacement. New York State 10-Year Sealed-Battery Law Since April 1, 2019, new or replacement residential smoke alarms sold in New York State must be either hardwired or powered by a sealed, non-removable battery with a minimum 10-year battery life. These 10-year sealed-battery alarms do not require routine battery replacement. However, the entire alarm must be replaced when it reaches the end of its service life—generally 10 years from the date of manufacture or as specified by the manufacturer. Remember: A 10-year battery does not mean the alarm lasts forever. Replace the entire alarm after 10 years or if the unit becomes faulty. Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarm Safety Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and potentially deadly gas produced by fuel-burning appliances and equipment. Install CO alarms according to the manufacturer's instructions, including near sleeping areas and on each level where required. Test CO alarms regularly and replace batteries in models with replaceable batteries when required. Replace CO alarms according to the manufacturer's stated service life. CO alarms may have a shorter service life than smoke alarms. Never operate a generator, grill, or other fuel-burning equipment inside a home, garage, basement, or other enclosed space. Have heating equipment, chimneys, and fuel-burning appliances inspected and properly maintained. If an Alarm Sounds SMOKE ALARM: Get everyone outside immediately and call 911 from a safe location. Do not re-enter the building until emergency personnel determine that it is safe. CO ALARM: Get everyone into fresh air immediately and call 911. Do not re-enter the building until emergency personnel determine that it is safe. Symptoms of CO exposure can include headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and confusion. Protect Your Family TEST IT. MAINTAIN IT. REPLACE IT. A working smoke and CO alarm can provide the warning you need to escape safely. If you have questions or concerns about fire safety, please contact us at info@montrosefire.com. For emergencies, dial 911. Stay tuned for the Day 4 Safety Memo.

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