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In the United States, 15 of every 16 homes (94%) have at least one smoke alarm.
One-half of home fire deaths occur in the 6% of homes with no smoke alarms.
Homes with smoke alarms (whether or not they are operational) typically have a death rate that is 40-50% less than the rate for homes without alarms.
In three of every 10 reported fires in homes equipped with smoke alarms, the devices did not work. Households with non-working smoke alarms now outnumber those with no smoke alarms.
Smoke alarms most often fail because of missing, dead or disconnected batteries.
Install, Test and Battery Replacement of Smoke Alarms
- Install at least one smoke alarm on every floor of your home (including the basement) and outside each sleeping area.
- Because smoke rises, alarms should be mounted high on walls or ceilings.
- Smoke alarms should not be installed near a window, door or forced-air register where drafts could interfere with their operation.
- Test smoke alarms at least once a month.
- Install new batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year, for example, on your birthday.
- Replace all smoke alarm batteries immediately upon moving into a new home.
- Keep batteries in smoke alarms; do not borrow them for other purposes.
- Replace smoke alarms every 10 years.
For more information, please contact the Scottsdale Fire Department at (480) 312-FIRE (3473).