Harrisburg, PA – The Shapiro Administration is reminding Pennsylvanians to change the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms while changing their clocks for this weekend’s “spring forward” time change. When functioning, smoke alarms can decrease the risk of dying in a home fire by as much as half. Dead or missing batteries are the most common cause of a smoke or CO alarm malfunction.
Working smoke alarms are absolutely critical for your family to receive early notification during a fire emergency in your home. When seconds count, the early warning provided by a smoke alarm can be the difference between safely exiting your home, and not making it out. I can’t emphasize enough the importance of working smoke detectors, especially for anyone in your home who may need extra time to get outside to safety.
— State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook
During a home fire, you may have fewer than two minutes to safely exit, so Commissioner Cook recommends the following steps:
- Ensure early notification by installing and maintaining working smoke alarms.
- Develop and practice an escape plan once your alarm sounds to include:
o having two ways out of each room
o a designated meeting place once outside, and
o taking a headcount to ensure everyone got out safely. - Once safely out of the home, contact 9-1-1 for help.
Make sure you assist younger children and older adults with developing and practicing plans.
Carbon monoxide alarms also save lives. CO is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas that can incapacitate victims before they are aware of exposure. Sources of CO gas can include wood-burning fireplaces and stoves, gas fireplaces, appliances, grills, generators, and motor vehicles. Maintaining wood and gas-burning appliances is critical to reduce the risk of malfunctions that can lead to carbon monoxide exposure. Having a working CO detector in your home can alert you before you recognize symptoms often confused with other illnesses such as:
- nausea,
- headaches,
- dizziness,
- disorientation,
- and fatigue.
If you need a smoke alarm, visit the ReadyPA website to request a free smoke alarm from the American Red Cross. All smoke and CO alarms should be tested monthly – including ones hard-wired to a home’s electrical system. Smoke and CO alarms have a life span, and the entire unit should be replaced every ten years with a new one. Some new alarms come with a non-replaceable sealed battery designed to last ten years. If your home includes family members with sensory or physical needs, install smoke alarms that have additional alerting tools like lights, vibrations, or alternate sounds including voices.
Homeowners unsure of how to maintain or install smoke and CO alarms can call their local fire department for advice. Renters should consult local ordinances to understand any legal requirements for landlords in their area to provide smoke and CO alarms.
Learn more about making your home a safer home.
The Shapiro Administration continues its commitment to support our Commonwealth’s firefighters with a three-part plan in his most recent budget proposal. The 2025-26 budget proposal:
- Creates a new, competitive funding stream of $30 million in grants for our fire companies.
- Creates a pilot program to help provide fire companies with the resources they need to work together.
- Covers cancer screenings for firefighters. Last year, we reformed our Workers’ Compensation Act to ensure firefighters, first responders, and law enforcement with a post-traumatic stress injury get the coverage they deserve. Firefighters are exposed to toxic chemicals while on the job – all to keep us safe -- we need to have their backs.
You can make a difference in your community right now. Learn how to volunteer with your local fire department.