Unlike , the statistics for fire alarms and smoke detectors show positive trends. According to some surveys conducted by the National Fire Protection Association, or NFPA, in the last decade, 96-97% of American households have at least one smoke detector installed. However, this does not mean that the problem of domestic fires has been successfully controlled. Having become so common, these fire alarm systems are easily taken for granted. Statistics show that a large number of fire deaths happen in homes that have smoke alarms, because they don’t work properly simply because they haven’t been cared for and checked by the homeowners.
This is a shocking revelation. To know that such a huge number of fire deaths could simply be avoided by keeping the alarm systems in good shape with connected and functioning batteries, is indeed a saddening reality. In light of such findings, NFPA released a report that highlights the common reasons why fire alarm systems and smoke detectors fail homeowners and how such mishaps can be avoided.
One of the biggest problems is missing, dead, or disconnected batteries. A number of people consider the warning sounds of low battery as nuisance alarms, and remove the battery altogether. A number of times these people forget about replacing the batteries for long periods. Any fire incident occurring during this time can be intensely damaging. NFPA recommends that homeowners test their alarm systems once each month to ensure that the batteries are working. In case the batteries are dead, NFPA recommends that they be replaced immediately.
A survey conducted in 1992, by the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission found that one out of five homes had at least one smoke alarm, but it simply wasn’t actually working. A number of households did not have their fire alarm systems at par with the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code guidelines that require smoke alarms in every sleeping area on every level. The homeowners are highly advised to stick to the guidelines, as they are designed to save lives.
The 2009 American Housing Survey (AHS) found that almost 65% of households have smoke alarms that are exclusively battery-powered. NFPA codes require fire alarms to be hardwired with battery backup. Homeowners are strongly advised to follow these codes so that they won’t have to be a victim of fire just because of dead alarmbatteries.
Survey also shows that most homes with people 55 years or older are likely to have outdated alarm systems that are more than 10 years old. Once again, this is a fact that must be fixed. Such alarm systems must be replaced or updated.
NFPA urges homeowners to understand the importance of codes and guidelines laid out for smoke detectors and fire alarm systems, and to adhere to them. Integrating fire alarms with your is one of the best ways to avoid being a victim of mishaps that could be easily avoided.
Emily Stevenson
Author – Emily is a 10 year veteran of the home security industry working in sales. She was a top sales person at leading home security companies, but has shifted her focus to working on helping consumers make the right decisions.