It's the Law

Missing Batteries & Outdated Alarms Put U.S. Families at Risk

• An average of 3,000 Americans die in fires each year

• Nearly two-thirds of home fire deaths occur in homes without smoke alarms or working smoke alarms, mainly due to missing or dead batteries. (NFPA)

• A recent Kidde survey revealed that 58% of Americans don’t know that batteries should be changed every six months; 61% have left their alarms without a working battery.

• Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years. (NFPA)

• A recent Kidde survey found one out of four older U.S. homes need updated fire safety equipment; that equals 17 million homes with outdated smoke alarms.

Growing Trend Towards Smoke Alarms with Sealed, 10-year Batteries

Cities and states have begun requiring the use of sealed, 10-year battery smoke alarms because the technology:

• Offers hassle-free protection for a decade (the life of the alarm)

• Eliminates low battery chirps and battery replacement

• Prohibits unauthorized tampering or battery removal

• Provides an alert after 10 years to replace the alarm

• Saves property owners up to $40 in battery costs over the life of each alarm

National fire industry organizations that support this technology include: the National Association of State Fire Marshals; Smoke Alarm Technology State Task Forces in Maryland, Ohio and California; Centers for Disease Control; and FEMA through its Assistance to Firefighter (AFG) grants. 

The following states have enacted 10-year legislation. Check the below Laws & Legislation Map for current information on your state.