07/20/2026
If you are installing a new smoke alarm or combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarm, take a moment to make sure it is activated.
Many newer 10 year sealed battery alarms are shipped with a battery activation tab or require an activation step before they will operate. Some brands activate when the alarm is locked onto the mounting bracket, while others require the battery to be activated first.
On the alarm shown below, the yellow safety tag must be removed before the alarm can be activated. If this step is missed, the alarm is not on and will not sound in the event of an emergency.
This was a close call for one family who believed their new smoke alarms were installed and protecting them. Fortunately, the issue was discovered before an emergency occurred, but the alarms had never actually been activated.
This is an easy step to overlook. The best way to know your alarm is working is to press and hold the TEST button until the alarm sounds. Never assume a newly installed alarm is operating correctly without testing it.
A working smoke alarm saves lives.