RICHMOND—Every bedroom needs a working smoke alarm. That’s why “Hear the Beep Where You Sleep” is the theme of this year's National Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 4-10.

In an online questionnaire distributed by the National Fire Protection Association, 42 percent of about 36,000 respondents did not know that a smoke alarm should be installed in each bedroom of a home. In fact, the National Fire Alarm Code requires a smoke alarm in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home.

“Smoke alarms are one of the most inexpensive life insurance policies that an individual can have in their homes, and it’s important to have one in each bedroom,” said Kevin Bartal, safety coordinator for Virginia Farm Bureau. “For a few dollars a year, a family can purchase and maintain smoke alarms that will provide the needed moments to exit safely under the smoke that collects first at the ceiling level, signaling the alarm.”

According to the NFPA, half of all U.S. home fire deaths occur between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.

When most smoke alarms fail to operate, it usually is because batteries are missing, disconnected or dead. The NFPA urges families to check their alarms on a regular basis.

An ionization smoke alarm is generally more responsive to flaming fires, and a photoelectric smoke alarm is generally more responsive to smoldering fires. For the best protection, or in homes where extra escape time is needed to awaken or assist others, both types of alarms or a combination alarm are recommended.

For more home fire safety information, visit firepreventionweek.org.

Media: Contact Sara Owens, VFBF communications, at 804-290-1133.