Smoke Alarms

Almost one in every five fires occur in a building without a working smoke alarm. Most fatal fires occur at night when you and your family are asleep. Smoke alarms are designed to wake you up (with a loud noise) if a fire starts. Smoke alarms save lives, but only if they are installed, properly working, and maintained!

The Winston-Salem Smoke Alarm Program will provide free smoke alarms to city residents who need them, in an effort to reduce fatal fires in Winston-Salem. On-duty firefighters will install smoke alarms for residents, as well as conduct a courtesy home evaluation upon request.

• The smoke alarm program will provide free smoke alarms as long as supplies are available.
• Resident must show photo identification as proof of occupancy.

Tips

• Winston-Salem housing code requires smoke alarms in all bedrooms, immediately outside the sleeping area, and on every level of a house.
• Test your alarm monthly.
• Change the batteries twice a year, when you change your clocks (unless the smoke alarm has a 10-year lithium battery).
• Replace the smoke alarm every 10 years.