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Free combo smoke/carbon monoxide alarms for qualifying Seattle residents

Since first becoming introduced and recognized as an important life saving device in the 1970’s, smoke alarms are now found in most homes and have saved countless lives. Yet a 2021 study from the National Fire Protection Association found that almost three out of five home fire deaths were caused by fires in properties with no smoke alarms (41 percent) or smoke alarms that failed to operate (16 percent).

The Seattle Fire Department began installing smoke alarms in the 1990’s. In 2013, the department began installing combination smoke/carbon monoxide (CO) alarms to cover the need to alert for both smoke and carbon monoxide dangers.

After pausing the smoke/CO alarm program for two years because of the Covid-19 pandemic, we are now resuming this program which provides and installs free combination smoke/CO alarms in the homes of qualifying Seattle homeowners. The smoke/CO alarms contain long-life powered batteries.

Note: This program is only for homeowners. If you rent a house or apartment, your landlord is required to provide you with a working smoke and carbon monoxide alarm. Tenants are responsible for maintaining the alarms.

To qualify a person must:

  • Live in the city of Seattle
  • Own and live in their home
  • Identify as a senior or live on a low income or have a disability

Seattle residents who are deaf may request a free strobe smoke alarm.

The Seattle Fire Department recommends:

  • Installing smoke alarms on every level of your home and inside each bedroom
  • Replacing smoke alarms every 10 years
  • Changing the battery in smoke alarm when they “chirp” a warning the battery is low
  • Preparing and practicing an escape plan in case the smoke alarm detects a fire
  • Installing carbon monoxide alarms outside of sleeping rooms and on every level of the home

To learn more and request a smoke/CO alarm for installment, visit the smoke/CO alarm installation page and fill out the request form.