SACRAMENTO — While a 2010 study by the National Fire Protection
Association found that 96 percent of all homes have at least one
smoke alarm, nearly two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from
fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
To help reduce the number of home fire fatalities, Cal Fire is
reminding all Californians to make sure they have working smoke
alarms in their homes. “Smoke alarms give you and your family an
early warning when there is a fire so you can quickly get
outside,” said State Fire Marshal Tonya Hoover, Cal Fire-Office
of the State Fire Marshal. “Smoke alarms save lives, but they
must be in good working order and must be tested.” Smoke alarms
should be installed inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping
area and on every level of the home. While most smoke alarms
come with 10-year batteries, Cal Fire recommends that you test
your smoke alarm monthly to ensure it’s in good working order.
Replace all smoke alarms after 10 years. Families should also
practice with