Help Keep Your Home Safe
Working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms provide an important layer of protection for you and those around you. Test your alarms regularly and replace alarms according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Routine Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Maintenance
Check your alarms regularly to make sure they are working properly. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for testing, cleaning, and replacing units as needed.
If you need help with routine maintenance, consider contacting a family member, friend, neighbor, handyman, or qualified maintenance professional. Additionally, if you need assistance with routinealarm maintenance or installation, please contact the American Red Cross to learn more about their home fire safety program and available services. https://www.redcross.org/local/california/gold-country/about-us/our-work/home-fire-campaign.html
When It's an Emergency
A sounding smoke alarm signals a potential emergency. A loud, repeating alarm typically indicates that the device has detected smoke or a possible fire.
Never delay calling 911 in an emergency. If you see smoke or fire, or believe there may be a fire, leave the building immediately and call 911 from a safe location.
What to Do If Your Smoke Alarm Is Chirping
If your smoke alarm is chirping, it usually means the unit needs attention. A chirping smoke alarm usually makes a brief, intermittent sound, often a single chirp every 30–60 seconds. Unlike a continuous or repeating emergency alarm pattern, chirping commonly indicates that the alarm needs attention. Before contacting the Fire Department for assistance, please take the following steps:
- Check What You Can Do Yourself
- If you can safely reach your smoke alarm, check the manufacturer's instructions to determine if the unit requires replacing.
- Reach Out to Family, Friends, or Neighbors
- If you are unable to take care of the issue yourself, ask a family member, friend, or trusted neighbor for assistance.
- Contact a Handyman or Maintenance Provider
- If help from family or friends is not available, consider contacting a handyman, qualified maintenance professional, landlord, or property manager, if applicable.
- Contact the Fire Department Only as a Last Resort
Consider the Fire Department a last resort for routine smoke alarm issues, after you have explored the options above and can't find assistance. If you still need help, call your local Fire Department's non-emergency number to ask for guidance. Please understand that assistance with routine maintenance may not be available.
Please Put Safety First
Many smoke alarms are mounted on ceilings and may require a ladder to reach. Do not climb a ladder or attempt to replace an alarm if you feel unsteady or cannot do so safely. Please seek assistance rather than risk a fall.
Firefighters must remain available to respond to fires, medical emergencies, and other urgent situations. By exhausting other options before contacting the Fire Department about routine maintenance, you help keep emergency personnel available for those who need them most.
Thank you for taking responsibility for your home safety and helping preserve emergency resources for our entire community.
For more detailed information, installation guidance, and safety tips:
View the Smoke & CO Safety Guide (PDF)