Smoke Alarms Save Lives: Check Yours Today!

Published on April 17, 2025

The Melbourne Fire Department wants to remind everyone of the importance of working smoke alarms. 

Too often, our fire inspectors find no working smoke alarms in homes where there have been fires. This is a huge concern, especially when someone is injured in a fire or loses their life because they did not get out in time. 

Smoke alarms save lives. Fire spreads fast, and working smoke alarms give you an early warning so you can escape quickly.

According to research by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms, and more than 1/3 of home fire deaths have resulted where there were no working smoke alarms. 

Please check your smoke alarm today and determine if it is working. Also, check the date on the alarm — If it is more than 10 years old, you must replace it.

Excellent informational resources to help you learn more about smoke alarms, how and where to install them, and how to check to be sure they are always working can be found on the NFPA website. 

If you or someone in your home is deaf or hard of hearing, there are special types of smoke alarms that you should consider installing. See this NFPA safety tip sheet for more information.

If you have questions about smoke alarms or fire safety, please contact the Melbourne Fire Prevention Office at 321-608-7900.