Smoke Alarms

Question:  What do I do if my smoke alarm beeps and there is no sign of smoke?

Answer:  First replace the battery as most smoke alarms will give you a warning beep when the battery is failing. Also, smoke alarms should be cleaned at least every six months by gently vacuuming the exterior.

Question:  How often should I change my smoke alarm battery?

Answer:  You should change your smoke alarm battery twice per year.  A good reminder is to change your battery when you change your clock for the time change.

Question: How frequently should I test my smoke alarm?

Answer:  Smoke alarms should be tested once per month.

Question:  When does my smoke alarm need replacing?

Answer:  Smoke alarms do wear out and should be replaced every ten years.

Question: Can I recycle my old smoke alarm?

Answer:  London Drugs in Mission has a Green Deal recycle program that accepts used or expired smoke alarms, carbon monoxide (CO) alarms, and combination smoke and CO alarms. For further information on the AlarmRecycle program call 1-877-592-2972.

Question: Does the Fire Department accept used fire extinguishers for recycling?

Answer:  For safety reasons, we are unable to accepted used fire extinguishers, however, Maple Ridge Recycling Depot accepts them free of charge.

• Choose smoke alarms that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
• Install smoke alarms inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement.
• On levels without bedrooms, install alarms in the living room (or den or family room) or near the stairway to the upper level, or in both locations.
• Smoke alarms installed in the basement should be installed on the ceiling at the bottom of the stairs leading to the next level.
• Smoke alarms should be installed at least 10 feet (3 meters) from a cooking 

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• appliance to minimize false alarms when cooking.
• Mount smoke alarms high on walls or ceilings (remember, smoke rises). Wall-mounted alarms should be installed not more than 12 inches away from the ceiling (to the top of the alarm).
• If you have ceilings that are pitched, install the alarm within 3 feet of the peak but not within the apex of the peak (four inches down from the peak).
• Do not install smoke alarms near windows, doors, or ducts where drafts might interfere with their operation.
• Never paint smoke alarms. Paint, stickers, or other decorations could keep the alarms from working.
• There are two types of smoke alarms – ionization and photoelectric. An ionization smoke alarm is generally more responsive to flaming fires, and a photoelectric smoke alarm is generally more responsive to smoldering fires. For the best protection, both types of alarms or combination ionization-photoelectric alarms, also known as dual sensor smoke alarms, are recommended.
• Keep manufacturer’s instructions for reference.

• Smoke alarms should be maintained according to manufacturer’s instructions.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button.
• Make sure everyone in the home understands the sound of the smoke alarm and knows how to respond.
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning to keep smoke alarms working well. The instructions are included in the package or can be found on the internet.
• Smoke alarms with non-replaceable 10-year batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.
• Smoke alarms with any other type of battery need a new battery at least once a year. If that alarm chirps, warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away.
• When replacing a battery, follow manufacturer’s list of batteries on the back of the alarm or manufacturer’s instructions. Manufacturer’s instructions are specific to the batteries (brand and model) that must be used. The smoke alarm may not work properly if a different kind of battery is used.

In a Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) survey of households with any fires, including fires in which the fire department was not called, interconnected smoke alarms were more likely to operate and alert occupants to a fire. People may know about a fire without hearing a smoke alarm.

• For the best protection, interconnect all smoke alarms. When one smoke alarm sounds they all sound. Interconnection can be done using hard-wiring or wireless technology.
• When interconnected smoke alarms are installed, it is important that all of the alarms are from the same manufacturer. If the alarms are not compatible, they may not sound.
• When smoke alarms (interconnected or not) were on all floors, they sounded in 37% of fires and alerted occupants in 15%.
• When smoke alarms were not on all floors, they sounded in only 4% of the fires and alerted occupants in only 2%.
• In homes that had interconnected smoke alarms, the alarms sounded in half (53%) of the fires and alerted people in one-quarter (26%) of the fires.