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# Heat Alarms

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##### In this section

                - Home Fires                   - Learn About Fire
                  - Prepare for Fire                     - Fire Extinguishers
                    - Fire Sprinklers
                    - Heat Alarms
                    - Home Fire Escape Plans
                    - Smoke Alarms
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                  - At-Risk Audiences
                  - After a Fire
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                - Fire Prevention Officials
                - CRR Blog

Heat alarms (detectors) respond to high temperatures, not smoke or fire, and are ideal for garages. They are another useful part of any home fire safety plan.

Smoke alarms are not required, or designed for use, in garages. Many heat alarm models can be connected to a home's fire detection system so that if the heat alarm sounds, the smoke alarms will as well.

Did you know:

Smoke alarms in garages can sound because of a change in temperature and humidity, as well as dust, fumes and insects. Heat alarms are made to not be affected by these conditions.

##  Messages to share

Purchase a heat alarm that is hard-wired with a battery backup.

Purchase a heat alarm that is capable of interconnecting with your home's smoke alarms.

Purchase a heat alarm that is rated for temperatures between 175-250 degrees F. Alarms with lower temperature ratings may sound because temperatures in garages rise above 100 degrees F. Alarms with higher temperature ratings may sound too late to warn you of a fire.

Have your hard-wired heat alarm installed by a qualified electrician.

Don't install heat alarms near fluorescent lights. Electrical noise and flickering from the lights may affect the alarm's operation.

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.

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### More home fire safety resources

          - U.S. Fire Administration publications catalog
          - Basement and garage fires
          - Smoke alarms

Page last reviewed: April 1, 2023

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