How to get a free smoke alarm for your home in Birmingham

Each year, around 2,600 civilians die in the United States due to house fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association. In Alabama, half of all fire-related deaths occur in the Greater Birmingham area.

Many of these deaths can be prevented through the use of smoke detectors and alarms, which allow home- and apartment-dwellers additional minutes that are vital to escape from a dangerous situation.

To keep the public safe, Birmingham Fire and Rescue is offering to install free smoke alarms in local homes.

“People can go to any local fire station in Birmingham, let them know that they want working smoke alarms. We will schedule it at their convenience. We’ll come and install the smoke alarms free of charge anytime, any day of the week…

“It’s important for us to make sure we get that message out and people understand that that’s something that we do every day. And those alarms really do save lives. It means life or death within those seconds.”

Birmingham Fire Chief Cory D. Moon

One of the most important fire-safety devices for the home is the self-contained smoke detector, according to the City of Birmingham. Several studies have concluded that smoke detectors cut in half a person’s chance of dying in a fire.

How to request a smoke detector in Birmingham

Requesting a smoke alarm from the City of Birmingham is simple.

Residents can call one of two numbers to request a free alarm:

• Fire Prevention Bureau: 205-250-7540
• Public Education Bureau: 205-254-6560

You can also contact your local fire station to set up an appointment at a time that is convenient for you and your family.

What if I want to get my own?

If you prefer to pick out your own smoke detector, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Prices can range from under $20 to hundreds of dollars for home fire safety systems. Some require being connected to your home’s wiring with professional installation, but battery-only detectors are more simple to install and work during power failure. Learn more in this guide from Consumer Reports.

There are two types of home smoke alarms to consider:

• Photoelectric Type: Reacts faster to smoldering fires and is less likely to react to cooking vapors.
• Ionization Type: Reacts faster to open, flaming fires and is usually your lesser expensive option. 

The City of Birmingham recommends at least one smoke alarm be installed near bedrooms, and homes with multiple floors should have one on each floor.

Here are some helpful tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

• Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. Install alarms in the basement.
• It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms so when one smoke alarm sounds, they all sound.
• Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
• A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Working smoke alarms are an important part of a home fire escape plan.

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