When do I need to replace my smoke alarm?

Smoke alarms that are 10 years old are near the end of their service life and should be replaced. Some people think that their smoke alarm sits idle until smoke is present. But it is working every minute, constantly monitoring the air 24 hours a day. For example, an ionization smoke alarm goes through 3.5 million monitoring cycles in 10 years. In a photoelectric smoke alarm, a light operates 24 hours a day to check for smoke particles in the air.

Just like any electrical appliance, the components of smoke alarms wear out over time. When a smoke alarm reaches 10 years of use, the potential of failing to detect a fire increases substantially. Replacing them after 10 years reduces the likelihood of failure.

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1. When do I need to replace my smoke alarm?
2. My smoke alarms are wired into my electrical system. Do I need to replace them as often as battery-operated alarms?
3. Does the Hazelwood Fire Department require building permits?
4. Does the Hazelwood Fire Department require a permit for bonfires?