Find out about local alerts and warnings by contacting your local emergency management or visiting their website.

Make A PLAN

HOUSE FIRES

  • STATISTICS

    1,298,000 fires,

    3,275 civilian deaths and 15,775 civilian injuries in the U.S.

  • COST

    $11.6 billion

    in property damage recently recorded in the U.S.

  • SMOKING

    THE MOST COMMON

    form of residential fires, with many starting in the bedroom

  • OTHER CAUSES

    FAULTY WIRING,

    unsupervised kids and improper use of space heaters

SMOKE ALARMS

A working smoke alarm can help you and your family escape a deadly home fire.

It can also help save the lives of firefighters who would otherwise have to risk their lives by searching for residents in a burning home.

A working smoke alarm continuously scans the air for smoke, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

INSTALL. INSPECT. PROTECT.

According to the National Fire Protection Association more than half of home fire deaths occurred in homes without a working smoke alarm. A working smoke alarm significantly increases your chances of surviving a deadly home fire. Check with your local fire department; reduced-cost or free smoke alarms are often available.

 

SMOKE ALARMTESTreplace batteryReplace alarm
9-VOLT BATTERYTest the alarm monthly.Replace the batteries at least once annually.The entire smoke alarm unit should be replaced every 8-10 years.
10-YEAR LITHIUM “LIFELONG” BATTERYTest the alarm monthly.You cannot (and should not) replace the lithium batterySince you cannot (and should not) replace the lithium battery, the entire smoke alarm unit should be replaced according to manufacturer’s instructions.
HARDWIRED INTO HOME’S Electrical systemTest the alarm monthly.The backup battery should be replaced at least once annually.The entire smoke alarm unit should be replaced every 8-10 years.

INSTALLATION TIPS

FOR YOUR SMOKE ALARM

  • LOCATION

    SLEEPING
    AREAS

    Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement. Many fatal fires begin late at night or early in the morning, so the U.S. Fire Administration recommends installing smoke alarms both inside and outside of sleeping areas.

  • SAFETY

    READ
    INSTRUCTIONS

    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.

  • INSTALL

    FIRE
    DEPARTMENT

    Some fire departments will install battery-operated smoke alarms in your home at no cost. Contact your local fire department’s non-emergency phone number for more information.

  • PREPARE

    DON’T
    DISABLE

    Never disable a smoke alarm while cooking. If a smoke alarm sounds while you’re cooking or taking a shower with lots of steam, do not remove the battery. You should: open a window or door and press the “hush” button, wave a towel at the alarm to clear the air, or move the entire alarm several feet away from the location.

Take the Quiz

  • Question 1

    How often should you test the smoke alarm in your home?

    Correct!

    Don't Take Chances

    Incorrect

    More often than that

  • Question 2

    How often does a smoke alarm scan air for smoke?

    Correct!

    Smoke alarms work constantly

    Incorrect

    Smoke alarms work constantly

  • Your Results

    0 Correct, 0 Wrong

  • Make a Plan

    A little preparation could protect your life and the lives of those around you. It only takes a few minutes to develop a plan. When finished, you'll have a pocket-size emergency plan at hand.

  • Build a Kit

    Remember how long it took to pack for your last vacation? The last thing you want to worry about in a disaster is packing. That’s why everyone should have an Emergency Supply Kit ready to go. Use this checklist to help you assemble your kit.

/// Find out about local alerts and warnings by contacting your local emergency management or visiting their website. ///