There is a growing trend to switch from traditional battery-powered smoke alarms to those that use 10-year sealed batteries. Although this is not a requirement in every state, there are numerous states that are beginning to require this type of smoke alarm, like California and New York. Smoke alarms have a limited lifespan. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends every smoke alarm be replaced after 10 years and that regular batteries be replaced every six months. With 10-year sealed battery alarms, battery replacements and late-night battery chirps are eliminated for a decade.

Does Your State Require 10-Year Alarms?

To find out if your state requires 10-year smoke alarms, check this chart. Even if your state does not currently require the use of a 10-year smoke alarms, there are several benefits to consider:

• There is no need to replace the batteries for the life of the alarm. However, testing your alarm regularly is recommended, no matter the type of alarm.
• Provides hassle free protection for a decade.
• Helps eliminate late night low-battery chirps.
• An end-of-life warning reminds you to replace the smoke alarm.

Help protect your home and family against the dangers of fire with a 10-year smoke alarm today. First Alert also offers 10-year sealed battery carbon monoxide alarms, and 10-year sealed battery combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Combination alarms offer 2-in-1 protection against both fire and carbon monoxide.

Placement of Smoke and Fire Alarms

When placing alarms in your home, there are several things to keep in mind:

• Smoke and fire alarms should be installed on every level, outside of each sleeping area, and inside every bedroom of your home
• Ceiling mounted alarms should be in the center of the room if possible.
• Never mount an alarm near a heat source.
• Wall mounted smoke alarms should be placed at least three feet from a corner and four to six inches away from the ceiling.
• Mount smoke alarms away from fans and air ducts that could blow smoke away from the detector.
• To avoid nuisance alarms caused by oven heat, cooking smoke, or shower steam, avoid placing smoke detectors too close to a stove or oven and bathroom shower and at least 10 feet from appliances.