Skip to main content

Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors provide early warnings, giving occupants valuable time to escape a fire or a dangerous carbon monoxide buildup.  

It's essential to:

  • Install detectors on every level of the home, including inside and outside sleeping areas.
  • Test detectors monthly.  This can be done by pressing the test button on the alarm.
  • Replace batteries as recommended by the manufacturer.  We encourage the public to change their smoke alarm batteries when turning back clocks in the fall and ahead in the spring.
  • Replace detectors according to their lifespan (usually 10 years).
     
Smoke / CO Detector Troubleshooting 

Below are some troubleshooting tips for sounds coming from your smoke or carbon monoxide alarms.

Smoke Alarms:

Three loud beeps (BEEP, BEEP, BEEP) or a vocal detector that says FIRE FIRE FIRE means smoke or fire.  If you hear this, GET OUT, STAY OUT, and call 911.  

A single chirp every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be changed.  Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means that the alrm is at the end of its life and must be replaced.

If you are unsure, please feel free to reach out to our department for assistance at 970-532-2264 or call 911.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms:

Four continuous beeps (BEEP, BEEP, BEEP, BEEP) or a voice telling you CARBON MONOXIDE means that carbon monoxide (CO) may be present in your home.  CO does not have an odor but can be deadly.  Go outside immediately and call 911.  
 

Smoke / CO Detector Assistance 

Our crews can offer limited assistance with smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to those experiencing financial hardship, elderly individuals, or people with disabilities.  Please note that we cannot replace hard-wired alarms.

To request assistance with your smoke and/or carbon monoxide alarms, citizens may contact BFPD in the following ways:

Your request will be given to our firefighters who will call you to schedule a time to visit your home. 
We will do our best to assist with your request in a timely manner; however, please be aware that due to emergency services calls or training schedules there may be a delay in assistance.
Donations for these services are accepted to help fund this and other life safety programs; however, they are not required.
 

If this is an emergency situation or there is the smell of gas, please call 911.
 


For more information on home safety and smoke and CO alarms, please visit the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) website:

Smoke Alarm Information

Carbon Monoxide Alarm Information