New First Alert Safety Pulse Survey Reveals Fire Safety Knowledge Gaps

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Oct. 12, 2026 - Many homeowners assume their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms will work forever. According to the 2026 First Alert^® Safety Pulse¹ survey, released for October's Fire Prevention Month by Resideo Technologies (NYSE: REZI), only 7% of homeowners know that smoke and/or carbon monoxide alarms need to be replaced every 10 years. The consumer survey from America's No. 1 most trusted and reliable fire safety brand² reveals gaps in how homeowners understand and maintain their fire safety devices, and points to opportunities to make everyday fire safety simpler.

"It's striking to see how many homes may be vulnerable to fire when some of the most effective prevention measures are also some of the easiest to take," said Ryan Park, Senior Product Director of Safety and Security for First Alert solutions at Resideo. "Protection shouldn't depend on remembering a manufactured-by date from years ago. Our new First Alert smoke and carbon monoxide alarms offer thoughtful features and early replacement reminders that help homeowners stay protected and on top of alarm maintenance."

While most homeowners report having essential fire safety products in their homes, the 2026 First Alert^® Safety Pulse identified gaps in routine maintenance, alarm knowledge and preparedness. These pain points, which are identified below, were addressed in the new, award-winning portfolio of First Alert smoke, carbon monoxide (CO) and combination alarms:

• Late-night, low-battery "chirp": Nearly three-fourths (74%) of homeowners have been woken by a smoke or CO alarm's low-battery chirp. The new alarms feature SoftCue™ Replacement Reminders for gentle alerts three to five days before the alarm or battery needs attention.
• Confusing status lights: Nearly half (47%) of Americans have been unsure what a smoke or CO alarm was telling them when it sounded or flashed. The new alarms have easy-read LED indicators to clearly communicate power status, low battery, replacement needs and smoke or CO alerts.
• Inconvenient battery replacement: Forty-one percent of homeowners do not want to remove an alarm from the ceiling to change its batteries. Long-lasting or 10-year batteries (55%) and easy-to-replace batteries (54%) are the most valuable features homeowners want in a smoke and/or CO alarm. New First Alert alarms feature side-load battery drawers, allowing batteries to be replaced without removing the alarm from the ceiling.
• Overlooked alarm testing: Just 34% of homeowners regularly test their alarms. A larger Test/Silence button offers easy routine testing and temporary silencing in the next-generation alarms.
• Forgotten alarm cleaning and replacing: Less than a third of homeowners (29%) regularly clean or dust their smoke alarms, and only 7% know that smoke and/or CO alarms should be replaced every 10 years. New First Alert alarms are simple to install, are backwards compatible, and make future replacements easier.

Fire safety preparedness extends beyond the alarm itself. The First Alert Safety Pulse found that 65% of homeowners keep a fire extinguisher at home, while just 19% have a home fire escape plan - though 73% of those with a plan practice it at least once a year. Families should regularly clean and test alarms, keep an accessible fire extinguisher, and create and practice an escape plan at least twice a year. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidance recommends smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas and on every level of the home, including the basement.

More fire safety tips are available on the First Alert Safety Corner blog. To learn more about First Alert products, visit FirstAlert.com.

About Resideo

Resideo is a global building technologies company that is a leading developer and manufacturer of critical control and sensing solutions for residential markets. The company serves professional installers and integrators across diverse product categories, such as heating, ventilation and air conditioning controls, combustion, life safety, security and water. Its comfort and protection solutions can be found in more than 150 million residential and commercial spaces globally, with tens of millions of new devices sold annually. More information about Resideo and its trusted brands, including BRK, First Alert and Honeywell Home, is available at Resideo.com.

¹ Resideo 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.

² First Alert Brand Trust Survey, May 2026 - Results are based on the responses of 2,000 adult homeowners, ages 18 and older, living in the U.S. who completed an online survey asking them to choose from ten brands in the fire safety category.

Dedicated LED lights provide clear visual notifications that help homeowners quickly identify power status, a low battery, when the device needs to be replaced and whether a smoke or CO alarm has been triggered.

A standardized ceiling bracket simplifies installation and future replacements, while an optional Easy-Fit Mounting Plate helps avoid repainting ceiling marks.

A centrally located Test/Silence button, nearly three times larger than previous models, provides convenient access for routine testing and temporary alarm silencing.

Designed for easier maintenance, battery-powered and hardwired with battery backup models allow homeowners to replace AA batteries from the side of the alarm.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the First Alert Safety Pulse?
The First Alert Safety Pulse is a consumer survey examining homeowners' attitudes and behaviors around smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarm maintenance, fire safety and emergency preparedness.

What did the First Alert Safety Pulse find?
The research found gaps in routine alarm maintenance, knowledge and preparedness. For example, only 7% of homeowners know that smoke and/or carbon monoxide alarms need to be replaced every 10 years. 47% of homeowners say they have been unsure what their smoke or CO alarm was indicating when it sounded or flashed a blinking light. Only 19% of homeowners have or practice a home fire escape plan, although about three-fourths (73%) of those with a plan practice it at least once a year.

What smoke and CO alarm features do homeowners value most?
Homeowners place the greatest value on long-lasting batteries (55%) and easy-to-change batteries (54%), followed by easy setup and maintenance (44%) and easy testing (42%).

How can homeowners maintain their smoke and CO alarms?
Homeowners should clean smoke and CO alarms regularly by gently vacuuming around the outer vents and openings with a soft brush attachment, avoiding cleaners, solvents or aerosols. After cleaning, homeowners should press the Test button to confirm the alarm is responding properly. Homeowners should also follow the manufacturer's replacement recommendations.

What other steps can homeowners take to prepare for a home fire?
First Alert safety experts recommend keeping a fire extinguisher easily accessible and knowing how to use it. Remember the acronym P.A.S.S. when operating: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the trigger and Sweep from side to side. Also, create and practice a home fire escape plan. Identify two ways out of each room, establish an outdoor meeting spot a safe distance from the home and practice the plan with the entire household at least twice a year.

How are the new First Alert alarms designed to make maintenance easier?
The new award-winning portfolio includes SoftCue™ Replacement Reminders, easy-read LED indicators, a standardized ceiling bracket, an optional Easy-Fit Mounting Plate, a large centrally located Test/Silence button and side-load battery drawers designed to simplify installation, testing and ongoing maintenance.