2026 First Alert Safety Pulse

In September 2026, an online survey was conducted among 2,000 U.S. homeowners aged 18 and older to gauge consumers’ attitudes and behaviors regarding fire safety in the home.

Methodology

  • Age Range: 18-65
  • Residence: Own their home
  • Region: United States, nationally representative 

Stats
The 2026 First Alert Fire Safety Pulse shows that homeowners value simple smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms with minimal maintenance – but some everyday maintenance opportunities remain. Additionally, the data reveals gaps in homeowners’ knowledge about smoke and CO alarms.


Alarm Maintenance Matters

  • Only 7% of homeowners know that their smoke/CO alarms should be replaced every 10 years.
  • Just 34% of homeowners say they regularly test their smoke/CO alarms.
  • 29% of homeowners regularly clean or dust smoke/CO alarms.

What Matters to Homeowners

  • Homeowners say the most valuable features they want in a smoke and/or CO alarm are long-lasting or 10-year batteries (55%) and easy-to-replace batteries (54%). 

Alarm Pain Points

  • 47% of homeowners say they have been unsure what their smoke/CO alarm was indicating when it sounded or flashed a blinking light.
  • 74% of homeowners have been woken by a low-battery alert/“chirp” from a smoke/CO alarm.
  • 41% say removing the alarm from the wall or ceiling is the biggest barrier to changing batteries in their smoke/CO alarm.
  • 46% of homeowners say that disturbed sleep is the top annoyance when they experience a low battery alert/“chirp,” followed by difficulty reaching the alarm (35%) and finding time to replace the batteries (33%).

Home Safety Preparedness

  • 65% of homeowners keep a fire extinguisher at home.
  • Only 19% of homeowners have a fire escape plan – but 73% of those who do say they practice it at least once a year.

Smoke/CO Alarm Solutions Make Home Safety Simple

To help address these gaps in routine maintenance, alarm knowledge and preparedness, the next generation of First Alert Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms simplify home safety with easy installation, hassle-free battery replacement and SoftCue™ Replacement Reminders – gentle maintenance reminders designed to help reduce late-night “chirps.” For more information about this new alarm lineup, visit firstalert.com/newplatform.

Media Contact: Sarah Reckard, Resideo Global Communications Leader; sarah.reckard@resideo.com

First Alert Fire Safety Pulse, 2026 – Results are based on the responses of 2,000 homeowners aged 18-65, living in the U.S. who completed an online survey.