Missing Batteries & Outdated Alarms Put U.S. Families at Risk

  • An average of 3,000 Americans die in fires each year

  • Nearly two-thirds of home fire deaths occur in homes without smoke alarms or working smoke alarms, mainly due to missing or dead batteries. (NFPA)

  • A recent Kidde survey revealed that 58% of Americans don’t know that batteries should be changed every six months; 61% have left their alarms without a working battery.

  • Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years. (NFPA)

  • A recent Kidde survey found one out of four older U.S. homes need updated fire safety equipment; that equals 17 million homes with outdated smoke alarms.

Growing Trend Towards Smoke Alarms with Sealed, 10-year Batteries

Cities and states have begun requiring the use of sealed, 10-year battery smoke alarms because the technology:


  • Offers hassle-free protection for a decade (the life of the alarm)

  • Eliminates low battery chirps and battery replacement

  • Prohibits unauthorized tampering or battery removal

  • Provides an alert after 10 years to replace the alarm

  • Saves property owners up to $40 in battery costs over the life of each alarm


National fire industry organizations that support this technology include: the National Association of State Fire Marshals; Smoke Alarm Technology State Task Forces in Maryland, Ohio and California; Centers for Disease Control; and FEMA through its Assistance to Firefighter (AFG) grants. 


The following states have enacted 10-year legislation. Check the below Laws & Legislation Map for current information on your state.


States & Cities with 10-year Smoke Alarm Laws:

Law Effective Date:
Oregon Jan. 1998
California July 1, 2014
Lousiana Jan. 1, 2011
North Carolina Jan. 1, 2013
Georgia Jan. 30, 2014
Maryland July 1, 2013
Phoenix April 18, 2014
New York City April 1, 2014
Madison, WI Aug. 1, 2010
Milwaukee June 1, 2013
Philadelphia Nov. 27, 2012
Louisville April 10, 2013