Smoke detectors or alarms are early warning systems to give you and your family time to escape should a fire start in your home. Fire moves fast and every second counts. Every home should have at least one working detector per floor, per living space. If this doesn’t describe your home it’s time to make a change.

Did you know according to national fire experts, two-thirds of all home fire deaths occur in a home with no smoke detector or a non-working smoke detector due to the batteries being removed?

If you have a smoke alarm with long-lasting batteries these units are designed to be replaced according the manufacturer’s instructions. If you have a standard battery smoke detector, the alarm should be checked twice annually and the whole unit should be replaced every 8-10 years. Plan to check your smoke alarms twice annually when daylight savings time changes in the spring and fall. The Maryland Smoke Alarm Law requires the replacement of any battery-only operated smoke alarm that is more than 10 years old with a unit powered by a 10-year sealed-in battery.

For a hard-wired, battery back-up smoke alarm be sure to conduct checks monthly. The batteries should be replaced annually and the alarm should be replaced every 8-10 years.

As a convenience to those in our first-due response area, the Long Meadow Volunteer Fire Company makes smoke detectors available free of charge. To request a smoke detector for your home please use the form on our Contact page and indicate you are requesting a smoke detector.

In your request please include:

• Your Name
• Full Street Address
• Phone Number
• Email Address

A member from the station will contact you to schedule a time to visit your home and complete the installation of the smoke detector.