Statistics to share
- Three out of five home fire deaths result from fires in properties without working smoke alarms
- More than one-third (38 percent) of home fire deaths result from fires in which no smoke alarms are present.
- The risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms.
Smoke Alarms Defined
Smoke alarms are tools that can tell if there is smoke in the air. They work even if you can’t smell smoke. A smoke alarm looks like a small dish or dinner plate on the ceiling of your home. A smoke alarm makes a very loud beeping noise to warn you that a fire has started. When you hear the loud noise, follow your home escape plan and get out fast.
Smoke Alarm Safety Tips
Children can help make their homes safer from fire by helping grown-ups remember to:
- Put smoke alarms in your home, especially near bedrooms.
- Test smoke alarms monthly to make sure they are working, and so you’ll know what it sounds like when it goes off.
- Replace old batteries with new ones at least once a year.
- Keep smoke alarms clean from dust. You can clean away the dust by running the vacuum cleaner attachment over and around them.
If Your Smoke Alarm Goes Off
If the smoke alarms in your home or business are going off and you are unsure of why, please leave the building and call 911. If you need assistance with a chirping smoke alarm or with help troubleshooting a smoke alarm problem, please call us at 512-556-3446.