The Facts
According to the Office of the State Fire Marshal, smoke alarms are the most effective early warning device available for the home.
Since smoke alarms were introduced to consumers in the 1970s, they have helped to reduce the home fire death rate by one half. Even though they are now widely popular, roughly 70 percent of home fire deaths result from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
Fires can spread through a home rapidly, and in some cases, individuals may have as little as two minutes to escape to safety once the alarm sounds.
Safety Tips for the Proper Use of Smoke Detectors
State health officials recommend the following safety tips for smoke alarms:
- Install at least one smoke alarm on every floor, including the basement.
- Ensure smoke alarms are installed high on a wall or on the ceiling.
- Never reuse a smoke alarm battery.
- Test all smoke alarms monthly.
- Install new batteries in the smoke detectors at least once a year.
- Regularly clean your smoke alarms using a vacuum cleaner, without removing the alarm’s cover.
Want more information?
Contact the State Fire Marshal at (317) 232-2226 or visit the Web site for the Office of the State Fire Marshal at: www.IN.gov/sema/osfm
Or, visit the National Fire Protection Association's Web site at www.nfpa.org
Information included in this document was obtained from the State Fire Marshal and the National Fire Protection Association.