In light of Smoke Alarm week on October 6-12, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has released findings of its new report that reveal working smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half.

“Smoke Alarms in the U.S.” also reveals that even though nearly all U.S. households now have at least one smoke alarm, 61 percent test them less often than recommended. What’s more, a majority of civilian home fire deaths continue to occur in homes with no smoke alarms or no working alarms.

As a response, the association has released essential fire safety prompts to keep in mind in honor of the 2024 Fire Prevention Week theme, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” NFPA recommends:

• installing smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (hallways), and on each level (including the basement) of the home;
• ensuring smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities;
• testing smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button; and
• replacing all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or don’t respond when tested.

“Smoke alarms can make a life-saving difference in a home fire, but they have to be working in order to protect people,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of outreach and advocacy at NFPA. “This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign drives home just how important it is to install, test, and maintain smoke alarms to ensure they’re working properly.”

Get more information about Fire Prevention Week via NFPA’s fpw.org. Additional Fire Prevention Week resources for children, caregivers, and educators are available on NFPA’s sparky.org and sparkyschoolhouse.org.

Access the report and more information via NFPA’s press release.