Smoke Detector Program

Having working smoke detectors saves lives. Unfortunately, every year we respond for fires in residences that do not have detectors that work.

Dangers of Not Having a Working Smoke Detector


  • If you are asleep when a fire occurs, the odds of you waking up are very slim if you do not have a working smoke detector.
  • When we sleep, our sense of smell does not work. The only thing that will wake us up is light and noise.
  • Smoke detectors are designed to wake us up if we are sleeping when a fire occurs.

​Fire Safety Checklist

The following guide provides information on what to do to ensure your home is fire safe:
Fire Safety Checklist_ English (PDF)
Fire Safety Checklist_Spanish (PDF)

Prevention and Service


In an effort to maintain a high level of customer service, the City of Waukesha Fire Department has come up with a smoke detector program to help alleviate the problem of people (especially the elderly) not having working smoke detectors.

Requesting Service


Email the Fire Prevention Bureau and we will arrange to have a smoke detector installed for you if any of the following are true:
  • You do not have a working smoke detector in your 1 or 2-family residence and can not afford one.
  • You do not know where to install a smoke detector.
  • You can not install or maintain a smoke detector due to a physical limitation or disability.

Landlord Responsibilities


If you live in a multi-family dwelling (3-family or more), state law requires that the landlord replace or repair defective detectors within 5 days of being notified by a tenant.
  1. If you have a problem with a smoke detector, notify your landlord.
  2. If nothing is done to correct the deficiency within 5 days, email the Fire Prevention Bureau.
  3. We will work with the landlord to remedy the problem.
If you have any questions or concerns, you can reach Fire Prevention Bureau staff at (262) 524-3648.