Fire Safety Media Resources
Fires are responsible for more than 3,000 deaths annually in the United States, on average. They are also responsible for thousands of injuries and billions of dollars in property damage. Yet, according to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly two-thirds of home fire deaths occur in homes without smoke alarms or working smoke alarms (the latter primarily due to missing or dead batteries). About Fire Prevention
Fire prevention is everyone’s business. Homeowners that wish to protect themselves and their families should understand the basics of fire prevention and have a home escape plan. Homes should be equipped with working fire extinguishers, and homeowners and responsible family members should understand how to use them. They should also understand how smoke alarms can and do
HELP save lives, and where these alarms should be installed throughout the home. However, a smoke alarm can only
HELP save lives if it is regularly tested and properly maintained – fresh batteries installed on a regular basis and alarm replacement within ten years (yes, smoke alarms do have a “shelf life”).
CloseIf you’re working on a story about a specific state or city, please note the Smoke Alarm Laws link that provides up-to-date information about smoke alarm laws in each state and city, should such laws exist. Also please check out the resources that help homeowners understand where smoke alarms should be placed throughout the home. You can also learn more about newer model smoke alarms that offer 10-year protection without the need for battery replacement.
