Lighting, electrical and alarms: aging-in-place checklist

The checks

1. There are smoke alarms on every level and outside each sleeping area, tested monthly

   Test each alarm monthly with its button. A missing alarm on a level is the gap to close first.

   Medium priority if missing. Usual fix: add alarms where missing, $140–$300 (DIY). Source: U.S. Fire Administration (FEMA) .

2. Smoke alarms are interconnected, so when one sounds they all sound

   USFA recommends interconnected alarms. It matters most when hearing is reduced or bedroom doors are closed.

   Medium priority if missing. Usual fix: install interconnected alarms, $210–$450 (DIY). Source: U.S. Fire Administration (FEMA) .

3. No smoke alarm is more than 10 years old (check the date on the back)

   USFA: replace smoke alarms 10 years from the manufacture date, whatever the battery type.

   Medium priority if missing. Usual fix: replace old alarms, $140–$300 (DIY). Source: U.S. Fire Administration (FEMA) .

4. There is a carbon monoxide alarm on each level if the home has gas, a fireplace or an attached garage

   CPSC: install CO alarms on each level of the home and outside sleeping areas, with battery power or backup.

   Low priority if missing. Usual fix: install co alarms, $140–$300 (DIY). Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission .

5. Light switches are easy to find in the dark and to press

   Lighted rocker switches glow in the dark and can be pushed with an elbow or a closed hand.

   Low priority if missing. Usual fix: swap key switches to lighted rockers, $150–$300 (pro). Source: U.S. Access Board , Alzheimer's Association .

6. Rooms have bright, even light with no dark corners, and burned-out bulbs are replaced quickly

   A burned-out bulb is on the CDC list. The Alzheimer's Association notes that changes in light level can disorient, so even light between rooms helps.

   Medium priority if missing. Usual fix: add ceiling lights in the darkest rooms, $352–$656 (pro). Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Alzheimer's Association .

7. Outlets used every day can be reached without bending to the floor

   Floor-level outlets mean crouching to plug in a phone or lamp. The ADA reach range starts at 15 in.

   Low priority if missing. Usual fix: move key outlets higher, $100–$400 (pro). Source: U.S. Access Board .

Measurements worth taking in the lighting, electrical and alarms

Measure	Aim for
Height of outlets used daily (bedside, chair, kitchen)	15 in or more above the floor

Frequently asked questions

What is the most important lighting, electrical and alarms safety fix?

By severity and likelihood, the highest-risk check here is "There are smoke alarms on every level and outside each sleeping area, tested monthly". The usual fix is to add alarms where missing, at $140–$300 nationally.

How much does it cost to make the lighting, electrical and alarms safer?

If every check here failed, the first-choice fixes would total $1,232–$2,706. 0 of the 7 fixes cost nothing and 0 cost $100 or less, so most homes start well below that.

Sources

1. U.S. Fire Administration (FEMA): Smoke Alarms (accessed 2026-10-17)
2. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: CO Alarms (accessed 2026-10-17)
3. U.S. Access Board: 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (2010)
4. Alzheimer's Association: Home Safety (accessed 2026-10-17)
5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: CDC STEADI: Check for Safety, a home fall prevention checklist for older adults (2017)