Smoke Alarm Recall: More than 450,000 Kidde-Brand Alarms Affected

SALEM, OR — Smoke alarms that may not detect smoke are part of a nationwide smoke alarm recall issued last week.

Fire safety product manufacturer Kidde on March 21 recalled 452,000 duel sensor smoke alarms with model numbers PI2010 (AC/hardwired) and PI9010 (DC/battery powered) sold at retailers across the United States.

To check if your smoke alarm is part of the recall, look for the model number and date code on the back of any smoke alarms in your home with "KIDDE" printed on a large pill shape positioned on the front center of the device.

According to the Oregon State Fire Marshal, "a yellow protective cap in limited instances may have been left on one of the two smoke sensors during the manufacturing process, which could compromise the smoke alarms' ability to detect smoke."

If present, the yellow cap can be seen through an opening on the side of the alarm, fire marshal spokesman Rich Hoover said in a statement, noting that affected Oregonians should not attempt to take apart their alarms and remove the caps themselves. Instead, consumers should follow up with Kidde to get instructions on next steps, which likely include requesting a new, free replacement alarm.

"They should remove the recalled smoke alarm ONLY AFTER they receive and install the replacement alarm," Hoover explained. "If no yellow cap is present, consumers should reinstall the smoke alarm and no further action is needed."

The possibly dysfunctional smoke alarms were sold between September 2016 and January 2018 at department, home, and hardware stores across the country, including The Home Depot, Walmart, and Menards.

Image via Oregon State Fire Marshal