Smoke alarms save lives. Smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries. Fire spreads fast—working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly.
Smoke Alarm Use in the United States
When working smoke alarms are present in your home, the risk of dying in a home fire is cut by 60 percent, according to the latest NFPA research. But how often are smoke alarms used in the United States and are they used properly?
In September 2024, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) published the results of a comprehensive survey that assesses the prevalence, functionality, and public perception of smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in U.S. households. Learn More
Statistics
- Roughly three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with either no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
- More than one-third (38 percent) of home fire deaths result from fires in which no smoke alarms are present.
- The risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms.
Source: NFPA Research
Safety Tips
- Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. Install alarms in the basement.
- It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms so that when one smoke alarm sounds, they all sound.
- Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
- A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
- Working smoke alarms are an important part of a home fire escape plan.