NFPA Reports on Smoke Alarms in U.S. Home Fires

Although smoke alarms are known to save lives, nearly 5 million households still do not have smoke alarms installed. In fact, according to an NFPA report, three out of five home fire deaths resulted from fires in properties without working smoke alarms. "Smoke Alarms in U.S. Home Fires" also reports:

• 96% of U.S. households have at least one smoke alarm.
• Smoke alarms were present in 73% of all reported home fires, but were functioning in only 52% of all reported home fires.
• 37% of home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms.
• 23% of home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes in which smoke alarms were present but did not operate.

NFPA offers several tips for testing and maintaining smoke alarms:

• Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement.
• For the best protection, interconnect all smoke alarms.
• Replace smoke alarms after 10 years.
• Test smoke alarms every month.
• In smoke alarms with long-life batteries, if the alarm chirps, replace the entire device. Batteries of other types should be replaced every year.
• Ionization alarms are more responsive to flaming fires, while photoelectric alarms are more responsive to smoldering fires. A combination of both types is recommended for the best protection.