Smoke Alarms Save Lives

Smoke Detectors Save Lives

Watch this video that tells the story of a Minnesota grandmother and granddaughter whose lives were saved by smoke detectors.

Smoke alarms are an essential part of home fire safety. In the United States, roughly 80% of fire deaths result from fires in homes without working smoke alarms. In fact, half of home fire deaths occur in the 6% of homes without any smoke alarms.

Alarm Types

Smoke alarms can be electrically connected, battery powered, or a combination of both. This combination of power sources and a pause feature to reduce nuisance alarms are highly recommended. 

Alarm Placement

The National Fire Alarm Code recommends a minimum of one alarm on each level of a home, including one alarm inside each bedroom, in new construction, and one outside each sleeping area. 

Since smoke rises, alarms should be placed on the ceiling or as high on the wall as possible. Avoid locating alarms near bathrooms, heating appliances, windows, or ceiling fans. 

Safety Reminders

Test your alarms monthly and replace old alarms. Smoke alarms do not last forever and should be replaced every ten years.

Make an Escape Plan

Working smoke alarms are essential, but they don’t save lives unless everyone knows how to get out of the house safely. The peak time for residential fires is between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. Make sure everyone knows how to escape when the alarm sounds, whether awake or sleeping at the time. Plan two ways out of each room and a pre-arranged meeting place outside. Keep your family safe from a fire by following these instructions.

Your lives may depend on it.