Educate your community on the life-saving benefits of smoke alarms. Raising awareness about their importance can save lives. Share these free materials to educate your community on fire safety and how working smoke alarms prevent tragedy.
Statistics to Share
Three out of five home fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms.
Over 38 percent of home fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms at all.
Working smoke alarms in the home reduces the risk of dying in a fire by half.
Answers to Common Questions About Smoke Alarms
Below are answers to frequently asked questions about smoke alarms to help community members understand their options and responsibilities.
What Types of Smoke Alarms Can I Buy?
There are many brands, but they fall into two basic categories: ionization and photoelectric.
Since no one can predict the type of fire that might occur, the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) recommends:
Installing both ionization and photoelectric alarms, or
Dual sensor alarms combine both technologies.
Other Options:
Interconnected smoke alarms: When one alarm sounds, they all sound.
Alarms for people with hearing loss may include strobe lights or vibrating alerts for individuals who cannot hear standard alarms.
Are Smoke Alarms Expensive?
Smoke alarms are affordable and worth the lives they help save.
Types and Costs:
Ionization and photoelectric alarms: Starting at $6.
Dual sensor alarms: Starting at $24.
Microprocessor alarms (fewer false alarms, faster alerts): Starting at $30.
Wireless/radio frequency alarms (communicate without wires): Starting at $40.
Your city or state may require specific types of alarms – check with your local fire marshal. Some fire departments also offer free or reduced-cost smoke alarms. Contact your local fire department’s non-emergency number for details.
What Powers a Smoke Alarm?
Smoke alarms are powered by either batteries or your home’s electrical system:
Battery-powered alarms use disposable nine-volt batteries or 10-year lithium batteries.
Hardwired alarms are connected to your home’s electrical system and include a backup battery that needs yearly replacement.
Where Should I Place Smoke Alarms in My Home?
Install smoke alarms inside and outside each bedroom or sleeping area.
Place alarms on every level of the home, including the basement.
Position alarms on the ceiling or high on walls. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper placement.
Only qualified electricians should install hardwired alarms.
Some fire departments will install battery-operated smoke alarms in your home for free. For assistance, contact their non-emergency number.
How Do I Take Care of My Smoke Alarm?
A smoke alarm only works if it’s properly maintained. Follow these general tips:
For Nine-Volt Battery Alarms:
Test the alarm monthly.
Replace the battery once a year.
Replace the entire alarm every 10 years.
For 10-Year Lithium Battery Alarms:
Test the alarm monthly.
Replace the entire alarm as instructed by the manufacturer (batteries are non-replaceable).
For Hardwired Alarms:
Test the alarm monthly.
Replace the backup battery annually.
Replace the entire alarm every 10 years.
What If My Smoke Alarm Sounds While I’m Cooking?
Don’t remove the battery from your smoke alarm when cooking. Instead:
Open a window or door and press the hush button.
Wave a towel near the alarm to clear the air.
Move the alarm several feet away from the kitchen or bathroom.
Disabling or removing the battery can be a fatal mistake.
Outreach Materials From Other Organizations
The U.S. Fire Administration recommends the following trusted organizations for free outreach materials to promote fire safety awareness in your community:
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross works to reduce fire-related deaths and injuries by 25%. Join their Home Fire Campaign to install smoke alarms and educate your community. The Red Cross responds yearly to nearly 66,000 home fires, prioritizing fire safety education.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
The NFPA’s “Keeping Your Community Safe and Sound” toolkit includes handouts, talking points, outreach ideas, PSAs, and more to support smoke alarm awareness campaigns. The NFPA leads efforts to reduce fire risks through codes, standards, training, research, and education.
By sharing these materials and educating your community, you can help prevent home fire tragedies and save lives.
