Smoke alarms are extremely effective at preventing fire-related death and injury. The chances of dying in a residential fire are cut in half when a smoke alarm is present. Children ages 5 and under are more than twice as likely to die in a fire than the rest of the population.
Male children have a higher risk of fire-related death and injury than female children.
Install smoke alarms in your home on every level and in every sleeping area. Test them once a month, replace the batteries at least twice a year, and replace the alarms every ten years. Practicing an escape plan may help children who become frightened and confused in a fire escape to safety.