Smoke detectors are crucial in providing early warnings in case of fire, allowing time for you and your family to evacuate safely. They are a proven lifesaver.
Stay Safe with Expert Smoke and CO2 Detector Installation and Repair
Smoke detectors should be installed on every level of your home, including the basement. They should also be installed inside every bedroom and outside each sleeping area.
Smoke detectors should be replaced every 10 years. If you're unsure of your detector's age, it's safer to replace it.
A smoke detector alerts you to the presence of smoke, typically indicating a fire. A CO2 detector warns you about the dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas, in the air.
While some detectors are designed for self-installation, hiring a professional ensures proper installation and optimal functioning of these critical safety devices. Professionals are also knowledgeable about placement guidelines for maximum safety.
Home Electrical Fires
Report: NFPA's Electrical Fires
Author: Richard Campbell
Issued: February 2022
Report highlights
Fire departments responded to an estimated average of 46,700 home fires involving electrical failure or malfunction each year in 2015–2019.
- These fires caused an estimated average of 390 civilian deaths and 1,330 civilian injuries each year in 2015–2019, as well as an estimated $1.5 billion in direct property damage a year.
- Electrical failures or malfunctions were the second leading cause of electrical home fires in 2015–2019 accounting for 13% of home structure fires.
- Three in ten fires (30%) involving electrical failure or malfunction occurred in the cold weather months from November through February.
- Arcing served as the heat source in over three in five fires (63%) of home fires involving an electrical failure or malfunction in 2015–2019.
Report: (Home Fires Caused by Electrical Failure or Malfunction Supporting Data)
Fire departments responded to an estimated average of 32,160 home fires involving electrical distribution and lighting equipment each year in 2015–2019.
- These fires caused an estimated average of 430 civilian deaths and 1,070 civilian injuries each year in 2015-2019, as well as an estimated $1.3 billion in direct property damage a year.
- Home fires involving electrical distribution and lighting equipment most often originated in a bedroom.
- Wiring and related equipment was involved in just over two-thirds of home fires caused by electrical distribution and lighting equipment.
- Approximately one-quarter of these fires occurred between midnight and 8 a.m., but they accounted for just over half of the deaths.
Report: (Home Fires Caused by Electrical Distribution and Lighting Equipment Supporting Data)