Improving Smoke Alarm Self-Report Via a Prompted Questionnaire

Abstract

Background: Previous work has demonstrated discrepancies between self-reported and observed smoke alarm functionality. This study aimed to improve self-report of smoke alarm status. Methods: Participants were asked if they had: 1) any working smoke alarm; and 2) a working smoke alarm on every level of their home (Brief Form). Subsequently, parents answered an Extended Form prompting them to consider each level and how they knew the smoke alarms were functioning. Results: 554 participants completed both forms. On the Brief Form, 96% of participants reported having any smoke alarm and 92% reported having a working alarm on every level. On the Extended Form, 85% of parents reported having any smoke alarm and 73% reported having a working alarm on every level. Conclusion: Prompting residents to consider the presence and functionality of smoke alarms on each level of their home increased the opportunity to provided tailoired communication to improve smoke alarm coverage.