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Testing your smoke alarms

Press the test button on every smoke alarm once a month, and replace the whole alarm 10 years after the date it was made.

Easy5 min to doFree to testChecked October 2, 2026

Do it like this

Where smoke alarms goA two-story house with a basement. Smoke alarms are shown inside each bedroom, in the hallway outside the bedrooms, in the living area, and in the basement. The hallway alarm is highlighted with a note: press and hold the test button every month.BedroomBedroomHallwayLiving areaBasementPress and hold the test buttonevery monthAlarms inside each bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level, including the basement.
One in every bedroom, one outside sleeping areas, one on every level.
  1. Press and hold the test button on each alarm until it sounds. Test every month. Source: USFA
  2. If it runs on a 9-volt battery, or is hardwired with a backup battery, replace that battery at least once a year. Source: USFA
  3. Look for the manufacture date on the back. Replace any alarm that's 10 years old. Source: USFA
  4. Check the layout: alarms inside and outside each bedroom and sleeping area, and on every level. Source: USFA
  5. If you rent and an alarm doesn't work, tell your landlord in writing.
Watch out Never take the battery out to stop nuisance beeping while you cook. Open a window or door, press the hush button, or wave a towel at the alarm. Source: USFA

See it done

How to Test and Install a Smoke Alarm American Red Cross · Length 1:52 · 2018

Video blocked on this network? You don't need it. The written steps are the whole lesson, and the video is extra. Watch it on YouTube later.

If it doesn't work

  • No sound when you press test? Replace the battery and test again. Still nothing? Replace the alarm.
  • Chirping every minute or so usually means a low battery. Sealed 10-year alarms that chirp need replacing.
  • Can't afford new alarms? The USFA says some fire departments install battery-operated alarms at no cost. Source: USFA Call your local department's non-emergency number.

Good to know

You may have two minutes

When an alarm sounds you may have less than 2 minutes to get everyone out. Source: USFA The Red Cross says to practice your escape plan twice a year. Source: Red Cross

Interconnected is better

Interconnected alarms all sound when one does. Source: USFA

Carbon monoxide too

The CDC says to put battery or battery-backup CO detectors near every sleeping area and replace them per the maker's instructions or every 5 years. Source: CDC

Sources

  1. U.S. Fire Administration Smoke alarms
  2. American Red Cross Home fire safety
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Carbon monoxide poisoning basics

Lesson H4.6 · Last checked October 2, 2026 against the sources listed.

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