Each time WFR goes on a call, firefighters check all smoke detectors at that location. If you need to have your smoke detectors checked, call WFR at 972-429-8113 and set up an appointment; they will be inspected free of charge. If you do not have smoke detectors and cannot afford to purchase one, WFR can also supply one for free. Click here to schedule an inspection and/or smoke detector installation.
- A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home.
- Smoke alarms should be interconnected; when one sounds, they all sound.
- Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
- Test your smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
- Today’s smoke alarms are more technologically advanced to respond to a multitude of fire conditions, yet mitigate false alarms.
- When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside.
- Replace all smoke alarms in your home every 10 years.
- More about installation and maintenance of home smoke alarms
- In 2009-2013, smoke alarms sounded in more than half (53 percent) of the home fires reported to U.S. fire departments.
- Three of every five home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms (38 percent) or no working smoke alarms (21 percent).
- No smoke alarms were present in almost two out of every five (38 percent) home fire deaths.
- The death rate per 100 reported home fires was more than twice as high in homes that did not have any working smoke alarms compared to the rate in homes with working smoke alarms (1.18 deaths vs. 0.53 deaths per 100 fires).
- In fires in which the smoke alarms were present but did not operate, almost half (46 percent) of the smoke alarms had missing or disconnected batteries.
- Dead batteries caused one-quarter (24 percent) of the smoke alarm failures.