Smoke Alarms
Click on the links below to learn more about our smoke alarm program, facts, and other helpful information.
Silent Heroes
Silent Heroes is the Edmond Fire Department's smoke alarm program. Smoke alarms are life-saving devices that remain silent within a residence until smoke is detected, alerting individuals inside of any fire danger. Through the donations of citizens and local businesses, the Edmond Fire Department can provide free smoke alarms and batteries to residents within Edmond.
Please fill out the form below to request a smoke alarm or replacement batteries.
Smoke Alarms for Hearing or Vision Impaired
The Edmond Fire Department can provide smoke alarms for disabled Edmond residents. These alarms may include a strobe device or bed shaker to alert the hearing or vision impaired to the danger of smoke or fire. You may qualify if you live in the City of Edmond and have one of the following disabilities:
- Deaf
- Hard of hearing
- Blind
- Low vision
- Use of a mobility device
Please fill out the form below to request a smoke alarm or replacement batteries.
Smoke Alarm Maintenance
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning to keep smoke alarms working well. The instructions are included in the package or found on the internet.
CHECK alarms once a month. Test the function of the alarm with The test button.
CHANGE batteries once a year. When your smoke alarm "chirps," it is time to change the batteries. (If your smoke alarm has a 10-year non-replaceable battery and the alarm chirps, replace the entire smoke alarm right away).
REPLACE all smoke alarms every ten years. Replace on the manufacturer's recommended date. (Carbon Monoxide (C.O.) detector last 5-7 years.) See manufacturer's suggestions for combination smoke and carbon monoxide replacement.
Where to install smoke alarms:
- Inside each sleeping area
- Outside each sleeping area
- Every level in the home (including the basement)
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Paint or cover
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning to keep smoke alarms working well. The instructions are included in the package or found on the internet.
Definitions
Choosing the right smoke alarm can be difficult, especially with confusing terminology. Here are a few of the more common terms and their meanings:
- Hardwired - Connected to a constant power source. These can be tied to either the electrical system or your alarm system.
- Interconnected - Connected with wiring so that when one alarm is activated, all alarms will sound.
- Single Station - each alarm will sound independently.
- Multi-station - All alarms will sound together.
- Ionization sensor - responds to fast flaming fires (gasoline, paint, paper, grease, cleaning products). These sensors "SEE" the larger particles of smoke.
- Photoelectric sensor - Responds to slow-burning, smoldering fires (fireplace embers, cigarettes, bedding, drapes, electrical shorts). These sensors "SMELL" the smaller particles of smoke.
- Dual Sensor - Smoke alarms that contain ionization and photoelectric sensors.
- Combination smoke alarm - Smoke alarms that can detect Carbon Monoxide gas (CO). (These are recommended in homes that use fossil fuels, like propane and natural gas appliances).
Batteries
Not all batteries are created equal. Most smoke alarms require a 9-volt battery backup. The lifespan of your battery depends on the battery type and amount of use. Read below to see the differences in batteries.
- Lithium-ion smoke alarms are usually sealed and cannot be replaced. They last the life of the alarm and when they beep or "chirp" the alarm itself needs to be replaced.
- Alkaline batteries store more power and have a longer shelf life than carbon zinc batteries. These batteries should last for about 3 years.
- Carbon Zinc batteries are the most common and readily available on the market. These batteries should last about one year or less when installed in your smoke alarm.