Smoke Alarm Installation Program

The Clayton Fire Department is committed to keeping the community protected by making sure every home has functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. These devices give residents extra time to escape during a fire... minutes that can make a real difference.

Firefighters visit homes across Town, focusing on places that may not have enough alarms or need replacements. During each visit, they explain:

• Where detectors should be placed: inside each bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level of the home

• How to maintain them properly: test alarms every month, replace batteries at least once a year or when low, and replace the entire alarm every 10 years

• Why alarms are important: a properly installed smoke alarm gives residents an average of two extra minutes to escape safely. Having a functioning smoke alarm cuts the risk of dying in a home fire by half (National Fire Protection Association, 2023).

These efforts help families understand how important alarms are for protecting lives. The department’s outreach reaches all neighborhoods, including older homes that may be at higher risk. Every detector installed is a step toward preventing injuries, damage, and loss of life. Residents often welcome the visit and appreciate the added protection and peace of mind.

“It means a lot because I know how important smoke alarms are. It is just me and my mother, and she is 92. I want to keep her as safe as I can. The fire department made me feel more secure. I thank them from the bottom of my heart.” 

-Sheila Hood (lifelong Clayton resident)