With the help of its Science Advisory Committee, NASFM has updated the Smoke Alarms Guidance Document first issued in 2006. The revised document provides a summary of current information about the research on residential smoke alarms, explains the different response characteristics of the sensing mechanisms in different types of alarms and offers guidance regarding what to tell the public about smoke alarm use. It also encourages the public to consult their state and local jurisdictions regarding any specific requirements about types of smoke alarms that should be used and where they should be installed in the home.

The updated guidance document is posted on the NASFM website at http://www.firemarshals.org/mission/residential/ .

For more information, contact Karen Deppa in the NASFM Washington, DC, office,kfernico@aol.com or 202-737-1226, ext. 15.