Skip to main content

Cornell University

Housing & Residential Life

Smoke Detector Issues

Troubleshooting Smoke detectors

All residential rooms / apartments are equipped with smoke detectors. (Apartments in Hasbrouck and the Townhouse Apartments also have carbon monoxide detectors; please scroll down for more information).

Smoke detector troubleshooting
If this happens You'll hear or observe And you should do this

Smoke alarm
  • Alarm sounds loudly
  • Lights may flash, depending on the device

Evacuate immediately, and call CUPD at 607-255-1111 
Low Battery/ Malfunctioning Device
  • Alarm chirps (short beep) periodically
 Call CUPD at 607-255-1111 to have a new battery installed or your device serviced.

Troubleshooting carbon monoxide detectors

Townhouse residents

Carbon monoxide and smoke detector troubleshooting for Townhouse residents
If this happens You'll hear or observe And you should do this
Smoke alarm
  • Smoke alarm sounds loudly
 Evacuate your apartment immediately and call CUPD at 607-255-1111.
Smoke alarm - low battery
  • Smoke alarm chirps (short beep) periodically
 Call CUPD at 607-255-1111 to have a new battery installed.
Carbon monoxide alarm
  • Detector alarm sounds with 4 loud beeps, then a 5-second pause (pattern repeats)
  • Red light will turn on
 Evacuate your apartment immediately and call CUPD at 607-255-1111.
Carbon monoxide detector - low battery
  • Device chirps (short beep) once every 30 seconds

Call CUPD at 607-255-1111 to have a new battery installed. 
Malfunctioning devices
  • Devices beep or display lights in a manner not described above
 Call CUPD at 607-255-1111 to have the device serviced.

Hasbrouck residents

Carbon monoxide and smoke detector troubleshooting for Hasbrouck residents
If this happens You'll hear or observe And you should do this
Smoke alarm
  • Alarm sounds with 3 long beeps, followed by a pause (pattern repeats)
  • Light at bottom flashes red.
 Evacuate your apartment immediately and call CUPD at 607-255-1111.
Carbon monoxide alarm
  • Detector alarm sounds with 4 loud beeps, then a 5-second pause (pattern repeats)
  • Red light will turn on
 Evacuate your apartment immediately and call CUPD at 607-255-1111.
Low battery
  • Device chirps (short beep) once every 60 seconds.
  • Light at bottom flashes green
 Call CUPD at 607-255-1111 to have a new battery installed.
Malfunctioning Device
  • Device chirps (short beep) 3 times every 60 seconds
  • Light at bottom flashes green
 Call CUPD at 607-255-1111 to have the device serviced.

Hasbrouck residents: Visit Your Carbon Monoxide Detector for information about testing your device and certifying its maintenance.