(And once monthly thereafter)
- Fire Prevention Week (Oct. 6-12, 2024) is a great reminder for clients to install, test and maintain smoke alarms throughout their homes to reduce the risk of fire deaths.
- Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half — install alarms in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas and on every level of the home.
- Regular maintenance is key: Test smoke alarms monthly, change batteries annually and replace alarms every 8-10 years to ensure they’re functioning properly.
Fire Prevention Week — spanning October 6-12 this year — is an ideal time to remind homeowners and business clients alike of the life-saving importance of working smoke alarms. According to the National Fire Protection Association, roughly half of all home fire deaths occur between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., when most people are asleep. For your clients, emphasizing regular smoke alarm checks can make a critical difference in personal safety and potential claim prevention.
The life-saving role of smoke alarms
The NFPA, along with the Red Cross and United States Fire Administration, recommend installing smoke alarms in every bedroom and outside each separate sleeping area — especially if bedrooms are spread across different parts of the home. Alarms should also be installed on every level of a home, including the basement.
You may hear pushback from some homeowners about whether this is overkill. It’s not. Consider these facts:
- Three out of five deaths happen in homes with either no smoke alarms or non-working smoke alarms.
- 38% of home fire deaths occur in homes where no smoke alarms are present.
- Homes equipped with working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half.
Encouraging your clients to install multiple alarms could not only save lives but also reduce their claims risk — especially when combined with regular maintenance.
Related: It’s Fire Prevention Week. Share these fire safety tips with your clients
Choosing the right smoke alarm
When it comes to smoke alarm recommendations, the debate between hardwired and battery-powered devices often arises. In fires large enough to activate a smoke alarm, NFPA reports that hardwired alarms operate 93% of the time, compared to 79% for battery-powered alarms. The primary issue with battery-powered alarms? Missing, disconnected or dead batteries.
To ensure comprehensive coverage, recommend ionization alarms — which are more responsive to flaming fires — alongside photoelectric alarms — which are better for detecting smoldering fires. Alternatively, dual-sensor alarms offer a blend of both technologies and are particularly beneficial in households where extra time might be needed to evacuate or assist others.
Related: Fire prevention tips for businesses
Keeping your smoke alarms working
While installation is the first step, ongoing maintenance ensures that alarms stay operational. Regular upkeep is crucial to reducing risk:
- Test alarms monthly — Press the test button to ensure they’re functional.
- Change batteries annually — Yes, even in hardwired alarms. And keep spare batteries on hand, as missing batteries are a frequent cause of alarm malfunction.
- Replace alarms every 8-10 years — Or per the manufacturer’s instructions to maintain peak performance.
For battery replacements, ensure homeowners are using the manufacturer-recommended batteries to avoid compatibility issues that could affect the alarm’s ability to function during an emergency.
Integrating smoke alarms into your fire escape strategy
Working smoke alarms not only provide an alert but also form an essential part of a comprehensive fire escape plan. Educating homeowners about the importance of interconnected alarms — which sound simultaneously across the home — can increase response time. Additionally, reinforcing that a closed door can help slow the spread of fire, smoke and heat, gives an extra layer of safety.
Partnering with your clients to reduce fire risk
Many insurance carriers offer discounts for homes with multiple working smoke alarms, giving your clients an added incentive to maintain their systems. As a trusted advisor, this is a great opportunity to offer value-added recommendations that protect both life and property.
To learn more about smoke alarm safety and fire prevention tips, direct your clients to these resources:
By emphasizing the importance of fire safety measures, you can help your clients stay ahead of potential risks and reduce the likelihood of costly claims.