International Association of Fire Chiefs

Smart Alarm Choices

Smart Alarm Choices

Smart Alarm Choices an online toolkit

This toolkit was created to help fire service leaders with educational materials to promote advanced smoke alarm education among their personnel and community.

Supported by:
Kidde 
Why Was the Program Developed?
Every home needs smoke alarms
More Public Education Videos

Fire experts recommend that smoke alarms are installed on each floor, in hallways and inside of all sleeping areas. Unfortunately, too many homes are not properly protected with enough working smoke alarms, or they are not tested and maintained. That leaves the people who live in the homes at great risk.

There are many challenges with educating the public about smoke alarms. Technology is changing in the smoke alarm industry; media coverage can be confusing with conflicting information about the effectiveness of smoke alarm and widespread budget cuts in fire department public education programs.

This toolkit was developed in conjunction with Kidde and support of the IAFC Fire and Life Safety section. Bookmark this site and check back regularly as resources will continue to be updated.


Featured Resources

Understanding Smoke Alarm Technologies

There are different types of fires. Some can flame and spread quickly while other fires may take more time to spread but produce more smoke. Any type of fire will pose a danger.

Smoke alarm technology has advanced over the years and consumers today have choices on what technology to use in their homes. While understanding what types of alarms are available is important, it is critical to remember that installing working UL-listed alarms and testing them regularly is the key to providing you additional notice and increased time to escape a fire.

Experts divide home fires into two categories:

  • Flaming fires result from the ignition of items such as flammable liquids, wood or paper, or from open flames, such as candles that ignite other items. These fires produce large quantities of flames and lesser amounts of smoke.
  • Smoldering fires most often occur when smoking materials, such as cigarettes, are left unattended. These fires produce minimal amounts of flames, but larger quantities of smoke.

National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) data shows that 93 percent of all residential fires are flaming and that flaming fires account for 75 percent of residential fire deaths. Together, both types of residential fires claim about 2,980 lives annually (NFPA).

Smoke Alarm Technologies

There are two types of smoke alarm technologies currently available to homeowners: ionization and photoelectric. Smoke alarms may be purchased with either ionization or photoelectric technology, or in a dual-sensor smoke alarm that combines both technologies into one unit.

  • Ionization smoke alarms may detect flaming fires sooner
  • Photoelectric smoke alarms may detect smoldering fires sooner
Experts Recommend Having Both Technologies

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), along with virtually every other recognized fire authority – including the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), the National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) – recommends the installation of both ionization and photoelectric technology to maximize protection from either flaming or smoldering fires.

Since it can’t be predicted what type of fire will start in a home, it is important that both smoldering flaming fires are detected as quickly as possible. Therefore, it is vital that the correct type (technology) of smoke alarm and their placement (location) within the home be utilized correctly. Additionally, you can leverage the strengths of each technology by considering the location and environment they are placed in.

For example, some studies have shown that ionization smoke alarms may be more prone to nuisance alarms, such as those that occur due to cooking. Consumers may reduce that potential by placing ionization smoke alarms at least 20 feet from appliances, or by installing a photoelectric alarm near a cooking area. Most smoking-material fires, which tend to smolder, begin in a den, family room, living room or bedroom. Families with members who smoke may consider installing photoelectric alarms or dual-sensor alarms in those areas.

The most important thing is to ensure that you have working smoke alarms on every floor of your home, inside each bedroom and outside sleeping areas.

  • Topics:
    • Featured Smart Alarm Choices
  • Resource Type:
    • Public education material
  • Organizational Author:
    • External
    • Fire Life Safety Section
    • IAFC
Understanding Smoke Alarm Technologies

There are different types of fires. Some can flame and spread quickly while other fires may take more time to spread but produce more smoke. Any type of fire will pose a danger.

Smoke alarm technology has advanced over the years and consumers today have choices on what technology to use in their homes. While understanding what types of alarms are available is important, it is critical to remember that installing working UL-listed alarms and testing them regularly is the key to providing you additional notice and increased time to escape a fire.

Experts divide home fires into two categories:

  • Flaming fires result from the ignition of items such as flammable liquids, wood or paper, or from open flames, such as candles that ignite other items. These fires produce large quantities of flames and lesser amounts of smoke.
  • Smoldering fires most often occur when smoking materials, such as cigarettes, are left unattended. These fires produce minimal amounts of flames, but larger quantities of smoke.

National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) data shows that 93 percent of all residential fires are flaming and that flaming fires account for 75 percent of residential fire deaths. Together, both types of residential fires claim about 2,980 lives annually (NFPA).

Smoke Alarm Technologies

There are two types of smoke alarm technologies currently available to homeowners: ionization and photoelectric. Smoke alarms may be purchased with either ionization or photoelectric technology, or in a dual-sensor smoke alarm that combines both technologies into one unit.

  • Ionization smoke alarms may detect flaming fires sooner
  • Photoelectric smoke alarms may detect smoldering fires sooner
Experts Recommend Having Both Technologies

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), along with virtually every other recognized fire authority – including the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), the National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) – recommends the installation of both ionization and photoelectric technology to maximize protection from either flaming or smoldering fires.

Since it can’t be predicted what type of fire will start in a home, it is important that both smoldering flaming fires are detected as quickly as possible. Therefore, it is vital that the correct type (technology) of smoke alarm and their placement (location) within the home be utilized correctly. Additionally, you can leverage the strengths of each technology by considering the location and environment they are placed in.

For example, some studies have shown that ionization smoke alarms may be more prone to nuisance alarms, such as those that occur due to cooking. Consumers may reduce that potential by placing ionization smoke alarms at least 20 feet from appliances, or by installing a photoelectric alarm near a cooking area. Most smoking-material fires, which tend to smolder, begin in a den, family room, living room or bedroom. Families with members who smoke may consider installing photoelectric alarms or dual-sensor alarms in those areas.

The most important thing is to ensure that you have working smoke alarms on every floor of your home, inside each bedroom and outside sleeping areas.

  • Topics:
    • Featured Smart Alarm Choices
  • Resource Type:
    • Public education material
  • Organizational Author:
    • External
    • Fire Life Safety Section
    • IAFC

News

Jan 01, 0001

The U.S. House of Representatives Passes Legislation to Help Make Micromobility Devices Fire-Safe.

H.R. 973, the Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-ion Batteries Act has passed the U.S. House of Representatives

Jan 01, 0001

Stay Connected to KnowledgeNet available via Mobile App

Access IAFC's online community via mobile app.

Jan 01, 0001

Explore and Contribute to the Home Oxygen Therapy (HOT) Data Dashboard to help Enhance Community Safety

Help enhance practices and enhance community safety by sharing your experiences with Home Oxygen Therapy

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC 2025 Conference Lineup – An Event for Every Leader

Here’s a quick look at IAFC's 2025 conference lineup

Jan 01, 0001

2025 FLSS Scholarship for the Community Risk Reduction Leadership Conference

Apply for the CRRL Scholarship and enhance your expertise and sharpen your skills in this critical area

Jan 01, 0001

Public Hearing on Thermal Fuse Reimbursement: A Critical Step Towards Fire Safety

CMC to hold public hearing November 8 regarding thermal fuses, a crucial safety device in fire prevention.

Jan 01, 0001

The IAFC calls upon the United States Senate to consider and pass legislation to help make e-bikes, e-scooters and hoverboards fire-safe.

IAFC encourages members to contact their Senators and ask them to pass legislation requiring safety standards for lithium-ion batteries in micro mobility devices.

Jan 01, 0001

Chief Greg Rogers provides insight to NFPA Journal on the Single Exit Stair topic

Chief Greg Rogers provides insight to NFPA Journal on the Single Exit Stair topic

Jan 01, 0001

Fire Chief Ray Reynolds Honored for Excellence in Fire and Life Safety

Fire and Life Safety Section presented Fire Chief Ray Reynolds with the 2024 Excellence in Fire & Life Safety Award

Jan 01, 0001

Call For Presentations: 2025 Community Risk Reduction Leadership Conference

Submit your presentation idea as part of the 2025 Community Risk Reduction (CRR) Leadership Conference today

Jan 01, 0001

Come participate in the conversation about Fire Service Hazards and Building and Fire Code Prevention Measures related to Lithium-ion Batteries and Energy Storage Systems!

Join the IAFC and FLSS session on lithium-Ion Batteries during FRI.

Jan 01, 0001

New Standards Development Activity on Battery Safety

NFPA is seeking comments regarding New Standards Development Activity on Battery Safety

Jan 01, 0001

Fire & Life Safety Section Chair Greg Rogers testifies at ICC Code Hearing

Watch the fire service testify against the single stair code proposal

Jan 01, 0001

Reducing Stairs in Residential Buildings Higher Than Three Stories Creates Escape Hazards for Occupants and Inhibits Vital Emergency Response Operations

Fire, Life and Safety Section submits a position statement.

Jan 01, 0001

Fighting Fire and Preserving Progress: The Unsung Role of Portable Fire Extinguishers in Environmental and Life Safety

The use of portable fire extinguishers is a win-win situation for both life safety and environmental preservation

Jan 01, 0001

FLSS Strategic Initiatives Plan for the years 2023 – 2025

New! FLSS Strategic Initiatives Plan for the years 2023 – 2025

Jan 01, 0001

FLSS Scholarship for the Community Risk Reduction Leadership Conference

Learn about an opportunity for scholarships and complimentary registration to attend the Community Risk Reduction Leadership Conference

Jan 01, 0001

The Fire and Life Safety Section IAFC training has been rescheduled!

Join us on November 15th, 2023, and equip yourself with essential skills to ensure safety in any situation

Jan 01, 0001

Training: Batteries in the Fire Service, Tall Mass-Timber Buildings & Fire Department Concerns, and Codes that Safeguard Construction

Training on operational response and code requirements for batteries in buildings and energy storage systems

Jan 01, 0001

Call for Candidates for the 2024 FLSS Election

Learn more about the available positions.

Jan 01, 0001

CNIC Announces Fire and Emergency Services Award Winners

The Navy F&ES Awards Program was instituted in 1997 to recognize the most outstanding fire departments and personnel for achieving the highest degree of excellence in mission support and fire protection management.

Jan 01, 0001

Trend Towards 10-Year Technology

Suggestions for replacing alarms.

Jan 01, 0001

Do Not Be Left Under Protected

If your home was built before 1993, here are optimum locations of smoke alarms.

Jan 01, 0001

Don't Fall Victim to Carbon Monoxide, the "Invisible Killer"

Carbon monoxide, also known as CO, is called the "Invisible Killer" because it's a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. More than 150 people in the Unites States die every year from accidental non-fire related CO poisoning associated with consumer products, including generators.

Jan 01, 0001

DHS Releases New “Cyber Essentials” Resources to Promote Cybersecurity

The IAFC recommends that fire chiefs review the actions described in the Cyber Essentials to protect your fire department from cyber-attacks.

Jan 01, 0001

Seven Ways to Make Community Risk Reduction a Focus of Your Department

An ever-present concern for any fire chief is our role in reducing the impact incidents have on our community.

Jan 01, 0001

Kidde Recalls Dual Sensor Smoke Alarms

Recall involves models PI2010 and PI9010 of Kidde dual sensor.

Jan 01, 0001

IAFC Expresses Condolences for Victims of Baltimore Fire

The IAFC expresses its deep condolences to the family and friends of six young children who reportedly perished during a residential house fire Thursday in Baltimore, Md. We commend the first responders who responded to the tragic scene.

Videos/Podcasts

 

Did you know?

  • 75% of all fatal fires occur in a residence.
  • Approximately 2,980 people die in the United States each year as the result of a fire in their home. 
  • Fire fatalities occur in the 40%% of homes that have no alarms, or 17% no working smoke alarms.

Source: (NFPA)

Contact

Derek Bullington
Program Coordinator
International Association of Fire Chiefs
(703) 537-4831
dbullington@iafc.org

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