From Pennsylvania Office of the State Fire Commissioner
As Pennsylvanians prepare to turn back their clocks this weekend, the Shapiro Administration is urging residents to take a few minutes to replace the batteries in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. If you don’t have a smoke or CO alarm, you can request a free smoke alarm from the American Red Cross through the Ready PA website.
In 2025, Pennsylvania reported the most home fire deaths in the nation, with 153 fatalities. The U.S. Fire Administration data consistently show that non‑functioning or absent smoke alarms remain one of the most common factors in fatal home fires, underscoring the importance of regular testing and battery replacement.
“With Pennsylvania leading the nation with the highest number of home fire fatalities, our message is simple,” said Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook. “Check your smoke alarms. Replace the batteries. Make sure every floor of your home is protected. These small steps save lives, and the data proves it.”
Today’s home fires burn faster and hotter than ever. Once a fire starts, you may have fewer than two minutes to safely exit, which is why early notification is so crucial. Once the alarm sounds, you must be ready to escape, so develop and practice an escape plan today to ensure a quick exit. Emergency evacuation should include:
- Two ways to get out of each room.
- A designated meeting place outside where everyone can gather to make sure all people made it out safely.
- How to notify and assist young children, older adults, and people with access and functional needs when the alarm sounds.
Carbon monoxide alarms save lives too. CO is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas that comes from incomplete burning of wood fires or gas-powered appliances, tools, or vehicles in the home or garage. Wood-burning fireplaces and stoves, gas fireplaces, appliances, grills, generators, and motor vehicles can also produce CO gas. Maintaining wood- and gas-burning appliances is critical to help prevent malfunctions that lead to carbon monoxide exposure. Having a working CO detector in your home can give you an alert before you recognize symptoms such as nausea, headaches, dizziness, disorientation, and fatigue, which are often confused with other common illnesses.
Commissioner Cook offers these additional tips for smoke and CO alarms:
- Check batteries regularly. Dead or missing batteries are the most common causes of alarm failure. Test all smoke and CO alarms monthly, including those hard-wired into your home’s electrical system.
- Replace old alarms. Smoke and CO alarms have a limited lifespan and should generally be replaced every 10 years with a new one, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Some newer alarms have sealed, non-replaceable batteries designed to last 10 years.
- Choose alarms that meet your needs. For individuals with sensory or physical needs, smoke alarms with additional alerts, such as flashing lights, vibrations, or voice notifications, are available.
Homeowners who need help installing or maintaining smoke and CO alarms should contact their local fire department for guidance. Renters can check local ordinances to learn about landlords’ requirements for providing smoke and CO alarms.
To learn more about making your home a safer home, including information on smoke and CO alarms, fire extinguishers, and home sprinkler systems, visit the Ready PA Safer Home website.
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