All homes in Montgomery County are required by law to have up-to-date, working smoke alarms that meet Code requirements. MCFRS offers a free home safety visit and smoke alarm program for County residents. If there is currently at least one working smoke alarm in the home and assistance is needed in determining whether other smoke alarms in the home are working and/or meet Code requirements, a free home evaluation may be scheduled by clicking on the second link and completing the form.

There is often up to a 3-week waiting period for appointments. MCFRS will call and schedule a home visit, check each smoke alarm's expiration date(s), ensure they are working and answer questions regarding fire safety. MCFRS may also provide assistance with the installation of BATTERY ONLY smoke alarms (where permitted by Code) or install replacement back-up batteries in HARD WIRED units at the time of the visit. The department DOES NOT provide or install HARD-WIRED smoke alarms. The department recommends a certified electrician or professional. For additional information on fire safety, please click on the first link below.

NOTE: If there are no working smoke alarms in the home and the resident lacks the capability (due to age, infirmity, disability or financial reasons) to replace or purchase alarms, please contact MC311. For RENTAL properties, the resident should contact their landlord for smoke alarms and for MULTI-FAMILY properties, the resident should be directed to DHCA.

The department has a very limited supply of "free" smoke alarms reserved for residents unable to purchase or safety install smoke alarms due to age, mobility, vision or hearing impairments or other disabilities. The power source and type of alarms (battery-powered or hard-wired with battery backup) is determined by Code and MCFRS is only permitted to install battery-powered smoke alarms as permitted by Code requirements in place when the home was constructed.