Smoke Alarms — Five Things to Know

1. 82 percent of all fire deaths occur in the home.



2. Since smoke alarms were introduced, fire deaths have been cut in half.



3. An estimated 20 percent of U.S. homes have smoke alarms that do not work. In nearly all of these homes, the reason is dead or missing batteries.



4. UL recommends that you use both photoelectric and ionization smoke alarms in your home to provide you and your family the best available escape time in residential fires. Install at least one UL-listed smoke alarm on every level of your home according manufacturer's instructions, including the basement and outside each sleeping area.
   
   Installing interconnected smoke alarms may also be beneficial to your family's safety. These alarms will help alert everyone in all areas of your home, regardless of where the fire starts.



5. Smoke alarms should be tested at least once a month.