Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms save lives, prevent injuries, and minimize property damage by alerting occupants to danger. They are a vital addition to any home. 

Most fatal fires occur while people are asleep. Smoke alarms detect and warn of fire in its early stages, giving occupants extra time to react. The risk of dying from a fire in a home without working smoke alarms is twice as high as in a home with working smoke alarms.

Carbon monoxide is a dangerous colorless and odorless gas that is produced when any fuel is incompletely burned. About 150 people die each year from non-fire, carbon monoxide poisoning associated with home fuel-burning heating equipment.

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms require maintenance:

• Batteries should be replaced at least annually or when the device makes a “chirping” sound, except those with long-life lithium batteries. NEVER remove batteries from the alarm for use in another device! Alarms should be cleaned regularly following the manufacturer’s instructions – typically using a vacuum cleaner. Do not blow dust into the alarm.  Alarms should be tested monthly following the manufacturer’s instructions – typically using a test button. Alarms should be replaced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations – typically every 10-years.

The Richardson Fire Department will install one free smoke and/or carbon monoxide alarm or change batteries in alarms for residents needing assistance. 

Qualified residents own and occupy a home in Richardson, AND:

• Are in a low-income household and cannot afford to purchase alarms or arrange for alarms or batteries to be installed.
• Fire Department will install alarms, and change batteries, where alarms are installed no higher than 10-feet above the floor.

So that we can best serve our community, we ask that only residents having a genuine need reach out to the Richardson Fire Department for assistance with smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

 For more information, contact the Fire Marshal's Office at (972) 744-5750 or fmo@cor.gov.

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