Columbus Smoke Alarm Study
A study coming out of Columbus, OH, has some interesting conclusions regarding smoke detectors (from Firehouse.com).
Although it may run counter to conventional wisdom, Columbus residents are far more likely to be injured in fires when smoke alarms blare than when they don't, a Dispatch analysis of the past four years found.In addition, being alerted by a smoke alarm didn't increase residents' chances of escaping death during blazes, the fire data show.
I'm not sure I buy this. The results of this study run contrary to everything that I've ever heard or been taught about smoke detectors. I'm not sure that others are placing a lot of confidence in this study either. This is from the same article:
Despite the findings, fire-safety experts say every residence should be equipped with alarms. "Smoke detectors save lives," Columbus Fire Battalion Chief Douglas Smith said.
I searched on the internet for this study but didn't find it. If you know where it is, please let me know. I also looked for other studies that would provide more information, but haven't taken the time to hash through them yet.
Comments
I don't think you will find any study on the internet. This was a reporter that took our data from the past three years and came up with his own
study. What he failed to mention is that we understand when a smoke detector sounds many times the occupant will try to fight the fire causing injuries. Also the study did not indicate how many time an alarm sounded and the occupant escaped uninjured. Also smoke dectectors are most helpful at night. They are made to awake the sleep in a timely manner for a safe escape.
Posted by: Chief Smith at March 4, 2006 08:45 AM
