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 Fire
Safety Prevention - Smoke Alarms
Some Alarming Facts About
Smoke Alarms
- Fifteen
of every 16 homes (94%) in the United States have at least one smoke
alarm.
- Having smoke alarms in your home reduces
your chance of dying in a fire nearly in half.
- One-half of home fire deaths occur in the
6 % of homes with no smoke alarms.
- In three of every 10 reported fires in
homes equipped with smoke alarms, the devices did not work, most
often because of missing, dead or disconnected batteries.
- Only eight percent of those surveyed whose
smoke alarms had sounded in the past year thought it was a fire
that caused the alarm to go off, and got out of their homes as a
result
In the 1960’s, the average U. S. citizen had never heard of a smoke
alarm. By 1995, an estimated 93 percent of all American homes – single-
and multi-family, apartments, nursing homes, dormitories, etc. –
were equipped with alarms. By the mid 1980’s, smoke alarm laws,
requiring that alarms be placed in all new and existing residences, existed in 38 states and thousands of municipalities nationwide. And
smoke alarm provisions have been adopted by all of the model building
code organizations.
Fire services across the country have played a major and influential
public education role in alerting the public to the benefits of smoke
alarms. Another key factor in this huge and rapid penetration of both
the marketplace and the builder community has been the development and
marketing of low cost alarms by commercial companies. In the early
1970’s, the cost of protecting a three bedroom home with
professionally installed alarms was approximately $l000; today the cost
of owner-installed alarms in the same house has come down to as little
as $10 per alarm, or less than $50 for the entire home.
 This cost
structure, combined with effective public education (including key
private/public partnerships), has caused a huge percentage of
America’s consumers, whether they are renting or buying, to demand
smoke alarm protection. The impact of smoke alarms on fire safety and
protection is dramatic and can be simply stated. When fire breaks out,
the smoke alarm, functioning as an early warning system, reduces the
risk of dying by nearly 50 percent. Alarms are most people’s first
line of defense against fire.
In the event of a fire, properly installed and maintained smoke alarms
will provide an early warning signal to your household. This alarm could
save your own life and those of your loved ones by providing the chance
to escape.
Why should my home have smoke alarms?
In the event of a fire, a smoke alarm can save your life and those of
your loved ones. They are the single most important means of preventing
house and apartment fire fatalities by providing an early warning signal
-- so you and your family can escape. Smoke alarms are one of the best
safety features you can buy and install to protect yourself, your family
and your home.
Okay, where do I put them?
Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the
basement. Many fatal fires begin late at night or in the early morning.
For extra safety, install smoke alarms both inside and outside the
sleeping area.
Also, smoke alarms should be installed 6 to 8 inches out from side walls
on the ceiling or 6 to 8 inches
below the ceiling on side walls. Since smoke and many deadly gases rise,
installing your smoke alarms at the proper level will provide you with
the earliest warning possible. Always follow the manufacturer's
installation instructions.
Where would I get smoke alarms?
Many hardware, home supply or general merchandise stores carry smoke
alarms. Make sure the alarm you buy is UL-listed. If you are unsure
where to buy one in your community, call your local fire department (on
a non-emergency telephone number) and they will provide you with some
suggestions. Some fire departments offer smoke alarms for little or no
cost.
Are smoke alarms hard to install?
Not a bit. In most cases, all you will need is a screwdriver. Many
brands are self-adhesive and will automatically stick to the wall or
ceiling where they are placed. However, be sure to follow the directions
from the manufacturer because each brand is different. If you are
uncomfortable standing on a ladder, ask a relative or friend for help.
Some fire departments will actually install a smoke alarm in your home
for you. Call your local fire department (again, on a non-emergency
telephone number) if you have problems installing a smoke alarm.
 How do I
keep my smoke alarms working?
Smoke alarms are very easy to take care of. There are two steps to
remember.
Simply replace the batteries at least once a year.
Tip: Pick a holiday or your birthday and replace the batteries each year
on that day. Some smoke alarms now on the market come with a ten-year
battery. These alarms are designed to be replaced as a whole unit, thus
avoiding the need for battery replacement.
If your smoke alarm starts making a "chirping" noise, replace
the batteries and reset it.
Keep them clean. Dust and debris can interfere with their operation, so
vacuum over and around your smoke alarm regularly.
What if the alarm goes off while I'm cooking?
Then it's doing its job. Do not disable your smoke alarm if it alarms
due to cooking or other non-fire causes. You may not remember to put the
batteries back in the alarm after cooking. Instead, clear the air by
waving a towel near the alarm, leaving
the batteries in place. The alarm may have to be moved to a new
location.
How long will my smoke alarm last?
About eight-to-ten years, after which it should be replaced. Like most
electrical devices, smoke alarms wear out. You may want to write the
purchase date with a marker on the inside of your unit. That way, you'll
know when to replace it. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions
for replacement.
Anything else I should know?
Some smoke alarms are considered to be "hard wired." This
means they are connected to the household electrical system and may or
may not have battery back-up. It's important to test every smoke alarm
monthly. And always use new batteries when replacing old ones.
Fire alarms are an effective tool that can protect lives and your
property. Do not take it for granted and make sure that the
batteries are fresh and the alarm can sound loudly to protect in a time
of need.
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