Working smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by 60%, according to the latest report from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The majority of civilian home fire deaths continues to occur in residences with no smoke alarms or no working alarms.
The study also found that nearly all U.S. households have at least one smoke alarm, but 61% test them less often than recommended.
“Smoke alarms can make a life-saving difference in a home fire, but they have to be working in order to protect people,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA in a press release.
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The survey found that many households have inaccurate perceptions about the age, functionality, and maintenance requirements of their smoke alarms. Nearly one in five households (16%) believed all alarms would be working but had at least one functionality issue when tested, including dead batteries. Additionally, only half (51%) of households were always accurate about the age of their alarms.
“People tend to be overconfident about their risk to fire, which often leads to a sense of complacency that compromises safety,” said Carli. “This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign works to better educate people about their true risk to fire and the steps needed to make sure they’re adequately protected in the event of one.”
The 2024 Fire Prevention Week is October 6-12. Essential fire safety messages for this year’s theme, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” include:
- Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) of the home.
- Make sure smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
- Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.
- Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or don’t respond when tested.
To learn more about Fire Prevention Week and this year’s theme, “Smoke alarms: Make them work or you!” visit fpw.org. Additional Fire Prevention Week resources for children, caregivers, and educators can be found at sparky.org and sparkyschoolhouse.org.
