Abstract: A life safety alarm housing for protecting a system to detect a life threatening condition and the supporting alarm electronics including a battery carrier accessible from the front of the housing. The battery carrier is configured to carry at least one battery, and the battery carrier is pivotally connected to the structure of the alarm housing to facilitate pivoting movement or rotation of the battery carrier relative to the alarm housing between a closed position and an open position. The battery carrier includes a top, bottom and two corresponding side panels. One or more of the side panels have a deformable tab extending vertically with respect to the top. The at least one tab includes one or more protuberances formed thereon projecting into the battery carrier. The housing floor includes at least one slot formed therein disposed offset from the extended edge of the deformable tab. A latch mechanism is disposed on the housing cover and is adapted to engage the battery carrier.