NFPA: Most Home Fire Deaths Resulted from Fires in Properties without Working Smoke Alarms

In 2005-2009, approximately two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in properties without working smoke alarms, according to a report “Smoke Alarms in U.S. Home Fires,” recently released by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The report examines the number of reported fires in U.S. households with and without working smoke alarms, as well as the effectiveness of smoke alarms in preventing fire-related deaths.

Key findings from the report include:

• The death rate per 100 reported fires was twice as high in homes without a working smoke alarm as it was in home fires with smoke alarm protection.
• Out of all home fire deaths, 38 percent resulted from fires in which no smoke alarms were present.
• Hardwired smoke alarms are more reliable than those powered solely by batteries.
• Many homes do not have the protection recommended in recent editions of NFPA 72®, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, which requires interconnected smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home.

Based on the information in this report, NFPA recommends:

• installing smoke alarms inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement;
• interconnect all smoke alarms so when one sounds they all sound;
• using both photoelectric and ionization smoke alarms or combination ionization and photoelectric alarms, also known as dual sensor alarms (An ionization smoke alarm is generally more responsive to flaming fires and a photoelectric smoke alarm is generally more responsive to smoldering fires.);
• replacing all smoke alarms every ten years or sooner if they do not respond properly when tested; and
• testing all smoke alarms at least once a month by using the test button.

To access the complete report, please visit:

NFPA: Smoke Alarms in U.S. Home Fires (September 2011)

Background information:

National Fire Protection Association

Public/Private Fire Safety Council: Home Smoke Alarms and Other Fire Detection and Alarm Equipment (April 2006)