What's My Smoke Alarm Telling Me?
Three Beeps
Three beeps indicate smoke has been detected. You should evacuate immediately and call 911.
Four Beeps
If your alarm is a combination smoke/carbon monoxide alarm, four beeps indicate the presence of carbon monoxide.
To determine the need to call 911, ask each member of your household if they are feeling sick or experiencing "flu-like" symptoms: dizziness, nausea, or headaches.
If Yes: Immediately evacuate the household to a safe location and call 911. The best initial treatment for CO exposure is fresh air, followed by treatment from a physician.
If No: The likelihood of a serious exposure is greatly reduced, and calling 911 is not necessary at this time. Instead, turn off any gas appliances or equipment and open doors and windows to help ventilate your home with fresh air from outside. After completing this, contact your local gas utility company (e.g., MGE at 608-252-1111) or a qualified heating and ventilating service contractor to inspect your system for possible problems.
Note: If at any time during this process someone in your household experiences "flu-like" symptoms, immediately evacuate the home and call 911.
One Beep
Hear a chirp? Your smoke alarm may need to be replaced! A single beep typically indicates your alarm has reached end of life.
Remove your smoke alarm from the wall, turn it over, and read the "beep guide" on the back. This guide will tell you what the different beeps on your particular smoke alarm mean. This information may vary depending on what brand of smoke alarm you own.
Smoke Alarm Maintenance
Only a working smoke alarm can protect you and your family. Make sure you are using a smoke alarm powered by a long-life lithium battery. Alarms powered by 9-volt batteries are only allowed a no longer code-compliant in Madison. 9-volt batteries are still allowed as back-up power to a hard-wired smoke alarm.
Test your smoke alarm monthly. Follow manufacturer's instructions.
Regularly clean your smoke alarm using a dust brush or rag. Dust inside your smoke alarm may cause false alarms.
Never paint your smoke alarm.
Replace any smoke alarms that are more than 10 years old.
Disposing Old Smoke Alarms
If your smoke alarm is powered by a long-life sealed battery, you must deactivate the alarm before discarding it. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer on the back of the alarm.
This is an important step. Do not skip it!
The steps to deactivate the alarm vary depending on the model or manufacturer. Most require a screwdriver to remove part of the label. Then, slide a switch to discharge the battery.
Check if your smoke alarm's manufacturer offers a mail-back program, where your alarm may be responsibly disposed. Otherwise, place your old smoke alarms in the trash.
City of Madison recycling centers do not accept smoke alarms.