Working smoke alarms can cut the risk of death from home fires in half. On average, each year in the City of Raleigh we have two fatalities – and any death is too many.
Smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries. Fire spreads fast—working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly.
The Raleigh Fire Department is continuing its partnership with the American Red Cross to install smoke alarms and to continue to raise awareness about the importance of working alarms.
The department plans to organize five community home safety checks and smoke alarm installation events from May to September, targeting higher-risk neighborhoods. Many of them have older homes that were built before smoke alarms were required.
“In 2023, there were 173 residential fire responses within the City of Raleigh,” says James Pearce, fire captain with the Raleigh Fire Department. “We want to make sure everyone has working smoke alarms, which can cut the risk of dying in a home fire by half.”
Can I Request to Get a Smoke Alarm Installed?
Residents can stop by their local Raleigh fire station or email fireprevention@raleighnc.gov about their interest in getting a smoke alarm installed.
Safety Tips
Here are some safety tips related to smoke alarms from the National Fire Protection Association.
- Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. Install alarms in the basement.
- It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms so that when one smoke alarm sounds, they all sound.
- Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
- A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
- Working smoke alarms are an important part of a home fire escape plan.
