By Marcy Ost
As fire chiefs, we know that seconds count in a fire. A working smoke alarm is often the difference between life and death. Yet, too many homes still don’t have them—or they aren’t working when needed most.
Why Smoke Alarms Matter
Smoke spreads fast. In many home fires, people have just two minutes to escape. Without an early warning, those inside might not wake up in time. That’s why smoke alarms are critical. They give people the time they need to get out safely.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the risk of dying in a house fire is cut in half when working smoke alarms are present. But despite this, many homes either don’t have them or have alarms with dead or missing batteries.
Where and How Many?
One smoke alarm isn’t enough. To give people the best chance of survival, they should be placed:
- Inside every bedroom
- Outside each sleeping area
- On every level of the home, including the basement
It’s also important to install them high on walls or ceilings, as smoke rises.
What Fire Chiefs Can Do
As leaders in fire safety, we can help make sure every home in our community has working smoke alarms. Here are a few ways to spread the message:
- Community Education – Use fire safety talks, school visits, and community events to teach people about smoke alarms.
- Smoke Alarm Installation Programs – Work with local organizations to install free smoke alarms in homes that need them.
- Social Media & Public Messaging – Share reminders about testing alarms, changing batteries, and replacing old units.
- Fire Inspections & Home Visits – When responding to calls, remind residents to check their smoke alarms.
Key Reminders for the Public
To keep smoke alarms working properly, we should encourage these simple steps:
- Test alarms once a month by pressing the test button.
- Replace batteries at least once a year (unless using 10-year sealed alarms).
- Replace alarms every 10 years, even if they seem to work.
- Never disable an alarm due to cooking—use the hush button instead.
Final Thoughts
Smoke alarms save lives. But they only work if they are installed and maintained properly. As fire chiefs, we have the power to make sure this lifesaving message reaches every home. Let’s keep pushing for working smoke alarms in every household—because when alarms work, people live.