Shapiro Administration Urges Pennsylvanians to Change Smoke Alarm Batteries | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, PA - The Shapiro Administration is reminding Pennsylvanians to change the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms when moving their clocks ahead one hour for this weekend's "spring forward" time change. Functioning and properly placed smoke alarms can decrease the risk of dying in a home fire by as much as half. Dead or missing batteries are the most common cause of a smoke or CO alarm malfunction.

Pennsylvania often leads the nation in fire deaths. Sadly, 2026 is off to a similar start with 26 fire fatalities reported to the United States Fire Administration through March 2, 2026.

Pennsylvania is once again leading the nation in fire-related deaths, and that underscores just how critical it is for every family to maintain working smoke alarms in their homes. With only a few minutes to escape a home fire, a properly functioning smoke alarm can mean the difference between life and death. Please test your smoke alarms regularly, replace batteries when needed, and make fire safety a priority for your loved ones.

- - State Fire Commissioner Tom Cook

During a home fire, you may have fewer than two minutes to safely exit, so Commissioner Cook recommends the following steps:

• Ensure early notification by installing and maintaining working smoke alarms. Smoke alarms should be installed:
  • on every floor of the home,
  • inside every sleeping area, and
  • in hallways outside sleeping areas.
• Develop and practice an escape plan once your alarm sounds to include:
  • having two ways out of each room,
  • a designated meeting place once outside, and
  • taking a headcount to ensure everyone got out safely.
• Once safely out of the home, contact 9-1-1 for help.

It's important to assist younger children and older adults with developing and practicing plans.

Carbon monoxide alarms also save lives. CO is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas that can impact you before you are aware of exposure. Sources of CO gas can include wood-burning fireplaces and stoves, gas fireplaces, appliances, grills, generators, and motor vehicles. Maintaining wood and gas-burning appliances is critical to reduce the risk of malfunctions that can lead to carbon monoxide exposure. Having a working CO detector in your home can alert you before you recognize symptoms often confused with other illnesses such as nausea, headaches, dizziness, disorientation, and fatigue.

If you need a smoke alarm, visit the Ready PA website to request a free smoke alarm from the American Red Cross. All smoke and CO alarms should be tested monthly, including alarms wired to a home's electrical system. Smoke and CO alarms have a life span, and the entire unit should be replaced every ten years with a new one. Most newer alarms come with a non-replaceable sealed battery designed to last ten years. If your home includes family members with sensory or physical needs, install smoke alarms with lights, vibrations, or alternate sounds including voices to provide them with early warning.

Homeowners unsure of how to maintain or install smoke and CO alarms can call their local fire department for advice. Renters should consult local ordinances to understand any legal requirements for landlords in their area to provide smoke and CO alarms. To learn more about making your home a safer home, including smoke and CO alarms, fire extinguishers, and home sprinkler systems, visit the Ready PA Safer Home website.

The Shapiro Administration has the backs of our firefighters and first responders, to ensure they are ready to serve our communities. After signing Act 121 of 2024 into law, first responders now have access to critical mental health care for post-traumatic stress injuries sustained on the job.

In his 2026-27 budget proposal, Governor Shapiro is seeking a new, competitive grant program to add an additional $30 million in in funding to our fire department to make our communities safer yet. Our firefighters are there for us when we need it the most, now more than ever, it is time to show up for them.

You can make a difference in your community right now. Learn how to volunteer with your local fire department.