What to Do If Your Smoke Alarm Sounds

Never ignore the sound of a smoke alarm! If the alarm detects combustion products and goes into alarm mode, the pulsing alarm will continue until the air is cleared.

When the alarm sounds, first check for fire. If a fire is detected, follow these steps:

Alert Small Children: Make sure to alert any small children in the home.
Leave Immediately: Use your escape plan and leave immediately. Every second counts, so don't waste time getting dressed or gathering valuables.
Check Doors: When leaving, do not open any interior door without first feeling its surface. If it is hot or if you see smoke coming through cracks, do not open that door! Instead, use your alternate exit. If the inside of the door is cool, put your shoulder against it, open it slightly, and be ready to slam it shut if heat and smoke rush in.
Stay Low: Stay close to the ground if the air is smoky. Breathe shallowly through a cloth, wet if possible.
Designated Meeting Place: Once outside, go to your designated meeting place and make sure everyone is there.
Call the Fire Department: Call the fire department from your neighbor's house.
Do Not Return: Do not return to your home until the fire department says it is safe to do so.

There are situations in which a smoke alarm may not be effective in protecting against fire, according to NFPA 72. For example:

Smoking in bed
Leaving children home alone
Cleaning with flammable liquids, such as gasoline

If there is no fire and your alarms are still sounding, see what to do if you have a nuisance or false alarm. For more information about your specific alarm, see your owner's manual.