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Cunningham, T. (2003) And the
Children Slept: An Independent Investigative study concerning reports of
non-arousal by Children to Activated Smoke Detection Alarms and Related
Research, www.fitting-in.com/cunningham.htm.
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Abstract
For years the fire service in the United States and various support organizations have attempted to spread the message through various public fire education programs that residential smoke detectors that are installed, have working batteries, and are tested monthly increase the possibility of individual(s) lives being saved by at least 50%. These claims are not unfounded, but rather are supported by statistical data collected through the NFIRS (National Fire Incident Reporting System) data collection system. Reports and statistics are put together and distributed by organizations such as the United States Fire Administration (USFA) and the National Fire Protections Association (NFPA). The message communicated to the public in varying degrees throughout the years during fire prevention week and public fire education programs has been that “Smoke detectors save lives.” This has been proven through statistical data showing a 50% increases in survivability if a smoke detector is installed and maintained. But there is also another side of reality, in that a simple and inexpensive smoke alarm may not save all the lives that were previously thought. Recent findings from various fire departments nationwide have found that children are sleeping through the alarms generated by an a |
