The NH State Fire Marshal’s Office is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®)—the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week (FPW) for over 100 years—to promote this year’s FPW campaign, “Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You!” The campaign aims to educate the public on the importance of having working smoke alarms in the home.

According to the NFPA, smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half (54 percent). Nationally, approximately three out of five fire deaths—around 60%—occur in homes with either no smoke alarms or non-functional smoke alarms. In New Hampshire, this statistic is slightly higher, with 63% of fatal unintentional home fires involving either no working smoke alarms or inadequate alarm coverage.

“Smoke alarms serve as the first line of defense in a home fire, but they need to be working in order to protect people,” said Lorraine Carli, Vice President of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA. “This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign helps better educate the public about simple but critical steps they can take to ensure their homes have smoke alarms in all necessary locations and that they are working properly.”

The NH State Fire Marshal’s Office encourages all residents to actively support the 2024 FPW theme, “Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You!” “Working smoke alarms can make a life-saving difference in a home fire, giving people the time they need to escape safely,” said State Fire Marshal Sean Toomey. “This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign is a great opportunity to remind everyone about these messages and inspire them to take action.”

The NH State Fire Marshal’s Office offers the following key smoke alarm safety tips:

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (e.g., a hallway), and on every level of the home, including the basement.
• Ensure smoke alarms meet the needs of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pressing the test button.
• Replace all smoke alarms that are 10 years old or older.

The NH State Fire Marshal’s Office is supporting a wide variety of events across the state as part of this year’s FPW campaign. To learn more about FPW programs and activities in your community, contact your local fire department. For additional information about Fire Prevention Week and smoke alarms, visit fpw.org.