The statistics are clear when it comes to smoke detectors. They undeniably save lives.
In fact, the death rate per 1,000 home structure fires is nearly 60% lower in homes with working smoke alarms when compared to homes with no alarms or alarms that failed to operate when fire broke out.
October is Fire Prevention Month, and National Fire Prevention Week is October 6-12, 2024 and this year’s theme “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!™” focuses on educating everyone about the importance of having working smoke detectors in their homes.
While a 2018 study found smoke detectors were present in 74% of U.S. homes, that figure still means more than a quarter of homes did not have these critically important yet inexpensive devices.
Said Warren County Fire Coordinator Ralph Bartlett: “Smoke detectors that are properly installed and maintained, when used in conjunction with an emergency escape plan, are among the most important factors in reducing fire deaths and injuries. Fire can spread very fast, and working smoke alarms installed in the proper locations can give you early warning so you can get outside quickly. Please use Fire Prevention Week to check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and review you exit plans for your residences.”
Residents should:
- Make sure they have properly installed smoke alarms on at least each floor of a home, preferably every room.
- Test alarms monthly.
- Change batteries at least twice a year. The annual changing of the clocks is a good time to remember.
- Replace smoke detectors a minimum of every 10 years.
- Make sure alarms are adequate to alert everyone in the home, particularly those with sensory or physical disabilities.
Log on to nfpa.org/events/fire-prevention-week for more information and resources about smoke detectors and National Fire Prevention Week.