False Alarms

A Costly and Dangerous Problem for St. Michael

The St. Michael Fire Department is urging residents to take action to prevent false alarms from smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors. False alarms may seem like a minor inconvenience, but they can have serious consequences for the safety of our community and the efficiency of our volunteer fire department.

Two firefighters in full gear with backs to camera looking at St.Michael Fire Engine 1.The Cost of False Alarms

The St. Michael Fire Department is a volunteer, paid-on-call department. When a fire alarm or CO alarm is triggered, firefighters respond immediately, regardless of whether it turns out to be a real emergency or a false alarm. Each response costs the city valuable resources, including fuel, equipment wear and tear, and—most importantly—the time and effort of our dedicated volunteer firefighters.

False alarms also create a dangerous ripple effect. When firefighters are responding to a false alarm, they may be unavailable for a real emergency. This means that a person experiencing a medical emergency, house fire, or other crisis might face delayed response times because the department is tied up handling an avoidable false alarm.

Common Causes of False Alarms

Many false alarms are preventable and stem from simple issues with smoke and CO detectors, including:

  • Dead or low batteries – Detectors often chirp or sound alarms when batteries are low.
  • Dirty detectors – Dust, insects, and other debris can interfere with the sensors, causing them to malfunction.
  • Expired detectors – Smoke detectors have a lifespan of 10 years, while CO detectors last between 5 and 7 years. After this time, the sensors degrade and are more likely to give false readings.

What to Do if Your Alarm Goes Off?

If your smoke alarm goes off and there is no sign of smoke or fire:

  • First, check the batteries and replace them if needed.
  • Clean the detector to remove any dust or debris.
  • Check the manufacturer date on the back of the detector. If the smoke detector is more than 10 years old, replace it.
  • If the alarm continues to sound after these steps, or if you suspect there may still be a fire risk, call 911.

 

If your carbon monoxide alarm goes off and no one is feeling ill:

  • Check the batteries and replace them if necessary.
  • Clean the detector to remove any dust or debris.
  • Check the manufacturer's date on the back of the detector. If the CO detector is more than 5–7 years old, replace it.
  • If the alarm continues to sound or if anyone in the home experiences symptoms like headache, dizziness, nausea, or confusion, evacuate the home immediately and call 911.

Hand with index finger pointed preparing to push the test button on a smoke detector on the ceiling.How to Prevent False Alarms

You can reduce the risk of false alarms and help the St. Michael Fire Department stay focused on real emergencies by taking these simple steps:    

•  Test your detectors once a month to make sure they are functioning properly.
•  Replace batteries at least once a year or sooner if they begin to chirp.
•  Clean detectors regularly using a soft cloth or vacuum to remove dust and debris.
•  Replace detectors when they reach the end of their lifespan—10 years for smoke detectors and 5–7 years for
   CO detectors.

 

Protecting Our Community

Preventing false alarms is not just about saving taxpayer money—it’s about protecting lives. When our firefighters are focused on real emergencies, they can provide quicker, more effective responses that could save lives and property.

By taking the time to inspect and maintain your smoke and CO detectors, you’re helping the St. Michael Fire Department remain ready to serve when it matters most. Let’s work together to keep St. Michael safe.

 

 

 

 

The St. Michael Fire Department (SMFD) pledges to protect all people, homes and businesses in the City. The SMFD works closely with the Wright County Sheriff's Office,  Allina Ambulance, and the fire departments of surrounding communities to respond to your service calls quickly. and with highly trained personnel to fire and medical emergencies. The City maintains two fire stations and is a paid on-call department.