Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors: A Life-Saving Necessity

DeWitt Fire District Fire Safety Guide

At the DeWitt Fire District, we prioritize the safety of our community. Smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are essential tools for early warning in emergencies. Proper installation, maintenance, and awareness can mean the difference between life and death. Below are important guidelines to ensure your home and family remain protected.

Smoke Detectors: Your First Line of Defense Against Fire

Proper Installation

• Install smoke alarms inside each bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level of your home, including the basement.
• Mount detectors on the ceiling or high on a wall, as smoke rises.
• Keep detectors at least 10 feet away from cooking appliances to reduce false alarms.
• In multi-level homes, ensure there is a detector at the top of stairways.
• Interconnected smoke alarms (hardwired or wireless) provide the best protection—when one sounds, they all go off.

Proper Use & Maintenance

• Test alarms monthly by pressing the test button.
• Change batteries at least once a year, unless you have a 10-year sealed battery detector.
• Replace smoke detectors every 10 years, as sensors degrade over time.
• Vacuum detectors occasionally to remove dust and debris that could affect performance.
• If an alarm sounds due to cooking or steam, do not disable it—use a fan or open a window instead.

Fire Safety Tips Related to Smoke Detectors

• Have a fire escape plan and practice it with your family.
• When an alarm sounds, get out immediately and call 911.
• Close doors behind you when exiting to slow fire spread.
• Never ignore an alarm—assume it's a real emergency.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors: Protecting Against the Invisible Threat

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and deadly gas produced by fuel-burning appliances. Because CO is undetectable by human senses, a working detector is critical for safety.

Proper Installation

• Install CO alarms on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas.
• Place CO detectors at least 5 feet above the ground or on the ceiling, as CO gas can rise.
• Keep detectors away from fuel-burning appliances to avoid false alarms.
• Do not place them near windows, vents, or bathrooms, as airflow and humidity can affect readings.

Proper Use & Maintenance

• Test CO detectors monthly to ensure proper function.
• Replace batteries at least once a year, unless using a 10-year sealed model.
• Replace CO detectors every 5-7 years, following manufacturer recommendations.
• Know the alarm signals: a continuous alarm means high CO levels—evacuate immediately and call 911.
• If a CO alarm chirps intermittently, replace the battery or the entire unit if expired.

Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips

• Never use gas ovens, grills, or generators indoors, even with windows open.
• Do not warm up vehicles inside garages, even if the door is open.
• Ensure fuel-burning appliances (furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces) are inspected annually.
• Install CO alarms even if you don’t have gas appliances, as CO can enter from neighboring homes or garages.
• If a CO alarm sounds, leave immediately, call 911, and do not re-enter until it is deemed safe.

Final Fire Safety Tips from the DeWitt Fire District

• Install both smoke and CO detectors for full protection.
• Interconnect alarms so all sound at once.
• Test monthly and replace batteries yearly.
• Replace detectors according to manufacturer guidelines (10 years for smoke alarms, 5-7 years for CO alarms).
• Create and practice a home fire escape plan with your family.

Your safety is our priority. By following these guidelines, you can help protect your home, your loved ones, and yourself from fire and carbon monoxide dangers.

For more information, fire safety resources, or assistance with alarm installation, contact the DeWitt Fire District. Stay safe, stay prepared!