Disparities in the prevalence of smoke alarms in U.S. households: Conclusions drawn from published case studies

Introduction

Deaths from fires and burns are a leading cause of fatal home injury in the United States. Smoke alarms are one of the most effective interventions to prevent residential fire deaths. Nationwide, more than 95% of homes are estimated to have at least one smoke alarm. There is evidence that homes at highest risk of fire deaths lag behind national averages in smoke alarm use and maintenance.

Method

We compiled a comprehensive list of published studies that focus on smoke alarm prevalence in high-risk homes. Our findings show that there are substantial gaps in both smoke alarm presence and functional status between high-risk homes and national average estimates.

Conclusions

To save more lives, improved efforts are needed to reduce the disparity in smoke alarm prevalence and functional use in the United States.