Sales / Service: (800) 244-2261
Security Instrument Corp
  • Home Security
    • Home Security Systems
      • Overview
      • Burglar Alarm Systems
      • Fire & Life Safety
      • Home Video Surveillance
      • Home Alarm Monitoring
    • Home Automation
      • Overview
      • Smart Apps
      • Smart Lighting
      • Smart Locks
      • Smart Thermostats
  • Commercial Security
    • Small Business
      • Overview
      • Storefronts
      • Restaurants & Bars
      • Property Management
      • Churches
      • Medical Offices
    • Enterprise
      • Overview
      • Campus Security
      • Financial Institutions
      • Car Dealerships
      • Government & Municipal
      • Industrial & Manuafacturing
      • Utilities & Critical Infrastructure
    • Commercial Services
      • Overview
      • Video Monitoring
      • Design, Engineering & Support
      • Alarm Monitoring
      • Case Studies
    • Products
      • Reveal
      • Avigilon
      • Open Path
      • EST
      • RS2 Technologies
  • Company
    • About Us
    • Careers At SI
    • Blog
  • Careers
  • Support
    • Service Requests
    • Manuals & Videos
    • FAQ
    • Pay Bill Online
  • Contact
    • Request A Consultation
    • Leave A Review
    • Refer A Friend
  • Menu Menu
Home Security

Test Your Knowledge About Home Fire Safety

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Bob Gamble
Follow Us
Bob Gamble
Central Systems Operations Manager at Security Instrument Corp.
Home and business security systems throughout Delaware and the Tri-State area.
Bob Gamble
Follow Us
Latest posts by Bob Gamble (see all)
  • Best Security Camera Locations for Office Buildings in Newark, Delaware - June 14, 2026
  • How to Choose the Right Live Video Monitoring Provider for Enterprise Companies in DE, MD, PA, NJ - March 20, 2026
  • Where to Find Live Video Monitoring for Enterprise Companies in DE, MD, PA, NJ - March 20, 2026

Chances are good that you, like many people, have a smoke detector in the home. But there is a lot about fire protection that most consumers do not know, and that lack of knowledge can lead to not protecting our families and homes adequately.

Knowing your stuff can be the difference between life and death in a home fire, so we have developed a short quiz so you can test your knowledge, and then act on what you know.

 

How many smoke alarms does the average American home need if the home is 2 stories and 3 bedrooms?
A: 1 alarm
B: 2 alarms
C: 5 alarms
D: 14 alarms

According to the national Fire Protection Association, homes should have smoke alarms installed inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and one on every level of the home including the basement. So, a 2-story 3-bedroom home needs at least 5.

How often should you replace smoke alarms?
A: Every 2-4 years
B: Every 5-7 years
C: Every 8-10 years
D: Every 15-20 years
In practice, most American replace the smoke detectors every 15 years on average. The correct answer however, is C, as most detectors have a lifespan of under 10 years.

How many minutes do you have to escape a fire safely?

A: 3 minutes or less
B: 4 to 5 at most
C: Nearly 10 minutes before it becomes consumed
D. 12-20 minutes
30 years ago, you had 30 minutes to get out of a home alive. Today you have about 3 minutes. This is due to the tighter envelop of today’s energy efficient homes as well as the highly caustic and flammable materials used to make todays products and furnishings compared to the natural fibers of the past.

Do most homes in the US have an adequate fire protection including smoke detectors?
A: Yes
B: No

According to the NFPA, Americans need 100 million more smoke alarms to be fully protected. This is based on actual visits to US homes where it found smoke detectors either missing or not working.

Do smart smoke detectors impact response times?
A: Some
B: Not really
C: Significantly
In a study conducted by the USFA and CPSC, along with the Naval Research Laboratory the reduction in alarm times due to smart technologies greatly increases response times to fire emergencies.

The odds of dying in a house fire are reduced by how much with a working smoke detector and monitored system?
A: 15%
B: 25%
C. 45%
D: 50% or more
Research shows that the odds of dying in a fire are reduced by at least 50% in homes with working smoke detectors and reduced further when the system is monitored. The sooner the warning, the faster you and emergency personnel can act.

Home Security Installations In Delaware Since 1960

Smart smoke detectors are one of your most valuable tools in protecting your family from fire. Our professional sales and installation team offer no obligation consultations on home security and automation systems. Call us at (800) 244-2261.

January 24, 2017/by Bob Gamble
Tags: fire alarm systems, Life Safety, Smoke alarm systems
Share this entry
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on X
  • Share on WhatsApp
  • Share on Pinterest
  • Share on LinkedIn
  • Share on Tumblr
  • Share on Vk
  • Share on Reddit
  • Share by Mail
  • Facebook Facebook Share on Facebook
  • X-twitter X-twitter Share on X
  • Square-x-twitter Square-x-twitter Share on X
  • Linkedin Linkedin Share on LinkedIn
https://i0.wp.com/www.securityinstrument.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/test-your-kowlege-about-home-fire-safety-1.jpg?fit=800%2C406&quality=89&ssl=1 406 800 Bob Gamble https://www.securityinstrument.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/logo-web-7.png Bob Gamble2017-01-24 13:46:122017-01-28 13:24:00Test Your Knowledge About Home Fire Safety
You might also like
home fire alarm systems in delaware Important Facts for House Fire Awareness
Protecting Your Delaware Vacation Home
Home Fire Safety Tips For The Holidays
Essential Tips For Avoiding CO Poisoning
3 Fire Prevention Tips For Your Business
Fire Sprinkler Maintenance Fire Sprinkler System Maintenance: What You Need Now
Holiday Vacation Checklist To Keep Your Home Safe While Traveling
HOME IMPROVEMENTS? MAKE SECURITY COME FIRST
X Logo X Logo Followon X RSS Feed Logo RSS Feed Logo Subscribeto RSS Feed
Search Search
  • Why Integrated Fire and Safety Monitoring Is Critical for Commercial BuildingsMarch 2, 2026 - 5:44 pm
  • Integrating Video Monitoring with 24/7 Alarm Systems: What Commercial Property Owners in DE, PA, MD Must KnowFebruary 7, 2026 - 5:32 pm
  • What to Look for in a Delaware and Maryland Security Integrator Offering Life-Safety SolutionsJanuary 20, 2026 - 5:56 pm

Facebook

Categories

Archive

Tags

Access Control back to school burglary campus security carbon monoxide cctv christmas cloud access co Commercial Security delaware delaware video surveillance DIY dover elderly fire alarm systems holidays Home Automation home control Home security hotel security Intrusion Detection ip video kids Life Safety man cave milton moving new home retail senior care sensors Smart Garage Doors Smart Home Smart lighting Smart thermostats Smoke alarm systems storefronts summer savings delware upgrade vacation homes video Video Surveillance wilmington wirelesss home security

About Us

Security Instrument is Delaware’s largest full-service independently-owned security firm with over 75 employees serving thousands of customers throughout Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland.

X Logo X Logo Followon X RSS Feed Logo RSS Feed Logo Subscribeto RSS Feed

Locations

Wilmington, DE
309 West Newport Pike
Wilmington, DE 19804
(302) 633-5621

____________________

Milton, DE
28340 Lewes Georgetown Hwy.
Milton, DE 19968
(302) 645-2212

Company News

  • Why Integrated Fire and Safety Monitoring Is Critical for Commercial BuildingsMarch 2, 2026 - 5:44 pm
  • Integrating Video Monitoring with 24/7 Alarm Systems: What Commercial Property Owners in DE, PA, MD Must KnowFebruary 7, 2026 - 5:32 pm
  • What to Look for in a Delaware and Maryland Security Integrator Offering Life-Safety SolutionsJanuary 20, 2026 - 5:56 pm

Newsletter Sign Up

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Security Instrument Corporation of DE BBB Business Review
© Copyright 2026 - Security Instrument Corp
  • Link to Facebook
  • Link to LinkedIn
  • Link to X
  • Link to Youtube
Link to: Quick Facts About Commercial Monitoring With AES Link to: Quick Facts About Commercial Monitoring With AES Quick Facts About Commercial Monitoring With AES Link to: Why Commercial Security Is The Norm, Not The Exception Link to: Why Commercial Security Is The Norm, Not The Exception Why Commercial Security Is The Norm, Not The Exception
Scroll to top Scroll to top Scroll to top