The majority of home fires that kill people happen at night. If you're asleep, the smell of smoke won't always wake you up. In fact, smoke and poisonous gases can put you into a deeper sleep. Inexpensive home smoke alarms can wake you in time to escape - cutting your chances of dying nearly in half.
Smoke alarms do save lives, and, in most states, are required by law in private homes.
How to Choose an Alarm Be sure that the smoke alarm you buy carries the label of an independent testing lab. Some home smoke alarms run on batteries, others on household current. There are also different sensor technologies, some faster to react when fires are smoldering, others faster when fires are openly flaming, all are fast enough to provide sufficient warning. All laboratory tested smoke alarms, regardless of type, will protect you if they're installed and maintained properly. Install at least one smoke alarm on every floor of your home, including the basement, and outside each sleeping area.