Does a carbon monoxide detector detect regular smoke?
Call the local fire marshal. I would assume with you saying call 311, you live in Houston, unless your state or city has a 311 line as well. Anyhow, they legally are supposed to have smoke detectors in the living area, kitchen, and ALL bedrooms. You sure it does not just need a battery? You may have to replace the battery and press and hold the test button. Let it do its test beep, then it might work when you replace the battery. If they will not replace the bad detectors though, they can be fined. Call your fire marshal.
Read the directions on the electric blanket. I don't use them anymore since one scorched my mattress years ago. Luckily, the mattress was fire resistant. But anyway, if you want to use one I remember that they said not to put anything on top of it as that can cause problems with the level of heat getting too high. If you are putting the pad under it, then it should be fine. Maybe try a down comforter, much safer and very warm and soft.
Your life is worth a lot more then the 30 it would cost you to buy a smoke detector and a carbon monoxide detector. You only need one smoke detector per apt.
