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Protect What Matters Most — Your Family, Your Home, Your Life
Working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are your first line of defense when seconds count. The El Dorado Hills Fire Department is committed to helping you understand how to properly install, maintain, and test these life-saving devices.
Why Smoke Alarms Matter
- Nearly 3 out of 5 fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms or non-working alarms.
- Properly installed and maintained alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half.
- They provide early warning, giving you time to escape.
Where to Install Smoke Alarms
- In every bedroom
- Outside each sleeping area
- On every level of your home, including the basement
- For larger homes, interconnected alarms provide the best protection — when one sounds, they all sound.
Test & Replace
- Test all alarms monthly by pressing the test button.
- Replace batteries at least once a year (unless using 10-year sealed battery models).
- Replace smoke alarms every 10 years.
- Replace CO detectors every 5–7 years depending on the model.
Carbon Monoxide: The Silent Killer
- CO is an odorless, invisible gas that can be deadly.
- Common sources: malfunctioning appliances, vehicle exhaust, fireplaces, and fuel-burning equipment.
- Symptoms of CO poisoning: headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, confusion.
CO Alarm Placement:
- On every level of the home
- Outside each sleeping area
- Never place them next to windows, vents, or bathrooms.
Need Help? We’ve Got You Covered.
The El Dorado Hills Fire Department offers:
- Smoke and CO alarm support for qualifying residents (seniors and individuals with disabilities)
- Community presentations and safety education events
Need a smoke/CO alarm or safety visit? Fill out the form below and we will be in touch.
Be Prepared — Every Second Counts
Ensure every member of your household knows:
- What the alarm sounds like
- Two ways out of every room
- Where to meet outside
- How to call 911
Practice your escape plan twice a year - (EDITH - Escape Drill in the Home)