Did you know that, in the event of a home fire, having working smoke alarms reduces the risk of fire-related death by almost 60 percent? Smoke alarms play a vital role in reducing injuries, deaths, and property damage due to fire. A key part of any fire safety plan is to perform regular checks to make sure smoke alarms are functioning properly, and to replace batteries and outdated alarms.

As we approach Fire Prevention Week, we're highlighting Out to Alarm Texas, a partnership between the Insurance Council of Texas (ICT) and State Farm Insurance. The program distributes smoke alarms to residents throughout Texas, particularly targeting smaller, underserved communities. Through collaboration with State Farm and over 50 local fire departments throughout the state, Out to Alarm Texas leverages community resources to promote critical fire safety practices.

This year, Out to Alarm Texas is dedicated to preventing loss of life and property from home fires, aligning its mission with the theme of Fire Prevention Week: “Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work For You!” This initiative not only provides life saving equipment for the community, but also fosters a culture of safety and preparedness for our most vulnerable neighbors.

Learn more about national Fire Prevention Week, Out to Alarm Texas, and the critical role smoke alarm maintenance plays in community safety.

About Fire Prevention Week

Fire Prevention Week, observed each year during the week of October 9, serves as an important reminder to educate ourselves and our communities about the common causes of fires, the importance of prevention, and the necessary steps to stay safe in the event of a fire.

Fire Prevention Week’s official sponsor, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), provides educational resources from lesson plans and videos to printables, press releases, and social media cards in order to spread awareness.

Fire Prevention Week was created by the Fire Marshals Association of North America, an NFPA affiliate, in partnership with Western Insurance Union. It began as Fire Prevention Day in 1911 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which claimed over 250 lives and left 100,000 people homeless. In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge officially recognized Fire Prevention Week as a national observance. Learn more about the history of Fire Prevention Week from the NFPA.

Learn More About Out to Alarm Texas

Between 2005 and 2023, the Out To Alarm Texas program distributed 29,500 total alarms to more than 50 Texas fire departments—and 1,500 in 2024 to over 30 fire departments.

Smoke alarms are provided and installed on a first-come, first-served basis, ensuring that those who need them most—especially elderly and low-income households—receive this critical safety equipment.

Find out if your local fire department offers a smoke alarm program through the State Fire Marshal. If your fire department is not listed, contact them directly to ask if they participate in a smoke alarm program.

To help spread awareness of this essential community safety program, follow and share the Out to Alarm Texas campaign on ICT social channels:

• Facebook
• X
• LinkedIn
• YouTube

Fire Prevention Resources

National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA)

• Fire Prevention Week Homepage
• 2024 Fire Prevention Week Webinar
• Educator Toolkit
• Printable Activities
• Smoke Alarm Information and Resources

Sparky School House (NFPA Public Education Division)

• Fire Safety For Educators & Families
• Fire Safety For Kids

U.S. Fire Administration

• Fire Prevention and Community Risk Reduction
• Prevent Home Fires

Texas Department of Insurance

• Fire Prevention and Outreach
• “Learn Not to Burn” Fire Safety Program for Children
• Have an Exit Strategy

Texas A&M Forest Service

• Protect Texas From Wildfires

American Red Cross

• Home Fire Preparedness

National Safety Council

• Fire Safety

Spread the Word About Smoke Alarms and Fire Safety

Working smoke alarms are an essential part of any fire safety plan, as they’re proven to significantly reduce loss of life and property in the event of a fire. It’s essential not only to have smoke alarms installed, but to test them at least once a month, change their batteries regularly, and replace them when they’re outdated—or after about 10 years.

Help to equip your friends, family, and community with potentially life-saving fire safety advice by sharing this blog, spreading awareness about fire safety, and discussing the importance of having smoke alarms at home.