Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Checklist for Families (NFPA Guidance)

Updated 2026-10-22 · General information, sourced from public agencies and manufacturer pages · Results vary by home and household

The NFPA says working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a reported home fire by more than half (NFPA: Smoke Alarms).

Smoke alarms

• Install inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level, including the basement (NFPA).
• Test monthly with the test button.
• Replace the whole alarm 10 years after the manufacture date printed on the back.
• Interconnected alarms (all sound when one does) are best for larger homes and for kids who sleep deeply.

Carbon monoxide alarms

• Install outside each sleeping area, on every level, and in other places required by local code (NFPA: Carbon Monoxide).
• Follow the manufacturer's replacement date (many are 7–10 years).
• Keep battery-backed CO alarms in service during power outages. Plug-in-only units go silent when the power is out.

Family fire escape plan (10-minute version)

1. Draw your home and mark two ways out of every room.
2. Pick an outside meeting spot (a tree, a mailbox).
3. Teach kids to get low, get out, and never go back in.
4. Practice twice a year, once at night. NFPA has free resources: NFPA escape planning.

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