What Do the Beeps from Your Smoke Detector Indicate?

Smoke alarms provide an early working in the event of an emergency to help you and your family escape safely. Get peace of mind by installing the proper number of smoke alarms in your home. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), smoke alarms should be installed on every level, inside every bedroom and outside each sleeping area. Once installed, it is also important to educate yourself on how your alarm communicates with you. There are several reasons as to why your smoke alarm could be beeping. Learn what each type of chirp from your detector indicates.

What Does the Beep From Your Smoke Detector Mean?

• 3 Beeps and a Pause: EMERGENCY. This type of chirp means that smoke has been detected in your home. You and your family need to evacuate and call 9-1-1 once safely outside.
• Low Battery or End-of-Life: This type of chirp indicates it is time to replace your smoke alarm's batteries or the smoke alarm itself. Refer to your smoke alarm's user manual for the specific beeps based on your alarm.

What Does an Emergency Alarm Beep Mean?

When your fire alarm gives an emergency warning chirp, this means it has detected smoke in your home. This means you need to evacuate your home immediately and gather at your designated meeting spot according to your family's emergency escape plan. Call 9-1-1 once safely outside and do not return back into your home until cleared.

What Does a Low Battery or End-of-Life Beep From Your Alarm Mean?

Depending on the type of smoke alarm you have, the battery life of the alarm differs. For battery operated smoke alarms or hardwired alarms with a battery backup, it is recommended you replace the batteries at least every 6 months. Ten-year sealed battery smoke alarms on the other hand do not require battery replacements, but should still be tested regularly. No matter the type of smoke alarm, all alarms should be replaced at least every 10 years from the manufacture date on the back of the alarm.

A fire can strike at any time. Help protect your home and family by installing smoke alarms. Remember to regularly test your alarms to ensure they are functioning properly and replace the batteries in the alarm when specified.