Alarms Expire, and Older Homes Are Short on Them
Smoke alarms have a limited lifespan, and most manufacturers say to replace them about every 10 years. An old alarm can look fine and still fail to sound.
Placement matters. Current code calls for smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level, and carbon monoxide alarms in homes with fuel-burning appliances or an attached garage. Many older LA homes have only one or two alarms in a hallway.
Interconnected alarms wake everyone. When alarms are interconnected, smoke in the kitchen sets off the alarm in every bedroom. That extra warning matters most at night.