Take immediate action if your smoke alarm goes off.There are ways to manually turn off your alarm if you realize it's a false alarm.There are still things you can do to turn off your alarm if it's just making a noise.
Step 1: Hold the reset button on your smoke alarm.
The reset button is usually located in the center of the alarm.If you don't see a button, feel around the sides of your alarm to see if it has one.Press and hold it down until the alarm goes off.Stand on a chair and push the button if you can't reach the smoke alarm.If anyone else is with you, have them spot you on the chair.
Step 2: If the alarm noise doesn't stop, you should take your smoke alarm down.
Pull the smoke alarm away from the wall by grabbing it.The alarm may need to be turned counterclockwise for it to come off.If you reach your hand behind the wall, you can feel the wiring.If there are wires, it is a good idea to remove the plug that connects the alarm to the wall.
Step 3: The smoke alarm has batteries.
There is a cover over the batteries.If that is the case, look for a plastic lock on one of the edges.Lift the battery cover off the smoke alarm by pressing it in.Pull the batteries from the smoke alarm when the cover is off.The alarm should stop.Try using a flathead screwdriver to pry the cover off if you can't get it off with your finger.
Step 4: If the batteries don't come out, put your alarm in a blanket.
You may not be able to remove the battery from the smoke alarm.Put the alarm under a couch cushion or in the freezer to stop it from going off.
Step 5: You can reset the smoke alarm in your house by pressing and holding the reset button.
To figure out which one is causing the alarm to go off, you need to reset all the hardwired smoke alarms.There is a reset button in the center of the alarms, or somewhere else on the front or sides.Press and hold the button at the same time until the alarm goes off.
Step 6: If the alarm noise doesn't stop, turn off the circuit breaker.
The service panel is located in the house.Service panels look like gray boxes on the wall in the garage or basement.If you find the panel, open the door and look for the main breaker switch.If it isn't labeled, look for a bigger switch at the top of the panel.When you find it, flip the switch to the off position and then back on.The alarm should stop.
Step 7: If the smoke alarms don't stop, take them down.
Pull the alarm away from the wall or ceiling at a time.If you want to connect the wiring in the alarm to the wall wiring, you have to reach behind each alarm.Stand on a chair and take the alarms down if you can't reach them.While you are on the chair, ask someone to spot you.
Step 8: The smoke alarms have backup batteries.
There are backup batteries in some hardwired smoke alarms.There is a plastic lock on the one side of the battery cover.Lift the battery cover from the alarm by using your finger or a screwdriver.The batteries need to be removed from the inside.
Step 9: The batteries in your smoke alarm need to be replaced.
The batteries may be almost dead if your smoke alarm is making a noise.The smoke alarm should be removed from the wall or ceiling.If your smoke alarm has a battery cover, you can remove it by pressing the plastic latch on the side of the cover and lifting it up.Then, replace the old batteries with brand new ones.After changing the batteries, you may need to press and hold the reset button on your smoke alarm.
Step 10: You can clean your smoke alarm with a vacuum and hose.
Dust and bugs can cause smoke alarms to chirp.The smoke alarm needs to be removed from the wall or ceiling.There is a build up inside your smoke alarm.Press and hold the reset button when you're done.
Step 11: Change the temperature in the house.
If your smoke alarm only chirps at certain times, like in the middle of the night or when you're at work, it may be responding to dramatic temperature fluctuations in your house.If the temperature is more consistent throughout the day, you might be able to stop the chirping.