ORGANIZING YOUR PROGRAM

Stock Tools and Supplies for Alarm Installation

tools and suppliesPlan ahead so the crew conducting the home safety visit has appropriate tools for installation of alarms. This is a basic list of tools that will be needed.

  • Small two-step safety ladder (this will be fine for most installations, and it is light and easy to handle)
  • Six-foot-tall step ladder for higher ceilings
  • Charged cordless drill with proper bits
  • Extra charged battery for the drill
  • 1-1/4-inch drywall screws
    • Tip: Using drywall screws instead of the anchors and screws supplied with the alarm will cut installation time in half, leaving more time with the residents.
  • Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
  • Box knife
  • Small hammer
  • Pliers
  • 10-foot measuring tape
  • Small flash light
  • Supply of batteries for the equipment you are installing
  • Extra batteries for existing smoke alarms if appropriate*
  • Marking pen (to write the date of installation on the inside of the alarms)
  • Trash bags (to remove all of the smoke alarm and alert equipment packaging)
  • Small handheld vacuum to clean up any sheetrock dust
  • Clipboard and pen for documentation
  • Stock tools and supplies for alarm installation
  • Safety handouts
  • Forms, electronic tablet (i.e. iPad) or other means of recording the visit

*It is preferable to install new smoke alarms with new sealed long-life alarms rather than replacing batteries in smoke alarms already in the home. Remember smoke alarms must be replaced every 10 years. You may not know the age of a smoke alarm in a home so install new ones. With the exception of the ladders, all the tools will fit easily into a small toolbox. Having all the tools needed at your disposal will make smoke alarm installation more efficient and allow more education time with the resident.