Smoke Alarm Statistics

Nearly half of fire deaths in North American occur in the 4% of homes that do not have smoke alarms. (NFPA)

The risk of dying in homes without smoke alarms is twice as high as it is in homes that have working smoke alarms. (Consumer Product Safety Commission)

To help ensure that your home is protected, take a few minutes to read about the different types of smoke alarms and tips for proper performance.

Know Your Types of Smoke Alarms

Ionization sensing alarms may detect invisible fire particles (associated with fast flaming fires) sooner than photoelectric alarms.

Photoelectric sensing alarms may detect visible fire particles (associated with slow smouldering fires) sooner than ionization alarms.

For optimal protection, install both smoke alarm technologies in your home for maximum protection.

Kidde offers photoelectric and ionization smoke alarms, as well as a dual-sensor model, which incorporates both technologies.

Tips for Keeping Your Home Safer

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in 1-in-5 homes that have smoke alarms, none of the units work, mainly due to dead, missing or disconnected batteries. With this in mind, keeping your home safer is as simple as following a few tips.

  • Install smoke alarms on every floor of your home, in hallways, inside bedrooms and outside of sleeping areas.

  • Replace smoke alarms every 10 years. Alarms monitor the home every minute of every day and their lifespan is not infinite. If you don't know how old your alarm is, you should replace it.

  • Test your smoke alarm weekly and replace the batteries as needed.

  • Gently vacuum your smoke alarm monthly to prevent dirt from blocking the sensor.

  • Do not disable a smoke alarm in nuisance or false alarm situations. Do not "borrow" smoke alarm batteries for other uses such as toys or radios.

  • Develop and practice a fire escape plan with the family, so that everyone knows what to do and where to go when the alarm sounds.

Find the Right Fire Safety Products for Your Home

As a global leader in fire safety equipment, Kidde offers a wide range of smoke alarm options. To find the right solutions for your home Browse Kidde's Smoke Alarms today.