Smoke & CO Alarms

The Spartanburg City Fire Department has partnered with Fire Safe SC to provide our citizens with a free smoke & carbon monoxide alarm program.  During the free home visit, Spartanburg City Fire Department will check to make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms: are in the right location, working, and within ten years of the manufacture date.  If needed firefighters will install new alarms to make sure you and your family are properly protected.  Firefighters will also discuss creating an escape plan, and any hazards or safety concerns found during the home visit.

This program is intended for homeowners.  If you are a landlord, you are obligated by law to provide up-to-date alarms for your tenants.  You can find more information on our Smoke Alarm Regulations for Rental Properties page.

Smoke & co alarm tips & information

Where do I put smoke alarms in my home?

  • Put smoke alarms inside and outside each bedroom and sleeping area.  
  • Put alarms on every level of the home.
  • Place smoke alarms on the ceiling or high on the wall.  Check the manufacturer's instructions for the best place for your alarm.   
  • Only qualified electricians should install hardwired smoke alarms.

How do I take care of my smoke alarm?

  • Test the alarm monthly.
  • Replace the batteries at least once every year.
  • Replace the entire smoke alarm every ten years.

Where do I put smoke alarms in my home?

  • At least ten feet from the garage door leading to your home. 
  • At least fifteen feet away from gas or wood-burning appliances, like fireplaces or stoves.
  • On every level of the home.

How do I take care of my carbon monoxide alarm?

  • Test the alarm monthly.
  • Replace the batteries at least once every year.
  • Replace the entire carbon monoxide alarm every ten years.

What powers a smoke alarm?

Smoke alarms are powered by your home's electrical system or battery.  If the smoke alarm is powered by a battery, it runs on either a disposable nine-volt battery or a non-replaceable ten-year lithium ("long-life") battery.  Alarms that are powered by your home's electrical system or "hardwired" usually have a backup battery that will need to be replaced once a year.

Have a Smoke Detector or Carbon Monoxide Alarm Installed

If you would like someone from the Fire Department to check your smoke detector, install a smoke detector, or install a carbon monoxide detector, by completing the Smoke & CO Alarm Request Form or by phone at 864-596-2083.