When you move into or buy a new home, no one hands you a guide to how the smoke detectors work. They "chirp," which really means shriek loudly, and you occasionally have to put new batteries in them.

Smoke alarms save lives, but if they shriek every time you sear a steak or run a hot shower, you are more likely to silence ...

Massachusetts fire officials say it’s time to replace smoke and fire alarms purchased a decade ago after a change in fire codes. They urge residents to check the manufacturing date printed on the back ...