Cause for Alarm: The Importance of Making Fire Safety a Priority for Your Family

More than 1,000 people have died in house fires across North America this year— including children. North America’s #1 fire safety brand, Kidde, protects families and keeps children safe at home

From editor-in-chief Joann Butler

November 7, 2024

Parents find it hard to imagine they will ever experience a fire in their home. In fact, according to the American Red Cross, 40% of people believe they are more likely to win the lottery or get struck by lightning than experience one.

However, more than 1,000 people have died in house fires across North America this year—including children. This is cause for alarm.

Kidde, North America’s #1 fire safety brand*, has launched the “Living Jingle” as part of its Cause for Alarm campaign.

It’s an emotional plea and call to action—directly from the voices of children who have been impacted by house fires. The children featured in the film also detailed their deeply personal house fire survival stories in short videos.

The Living Jingle and house fire survivor stories are a reminder that house fires can happen to anyone. They are available to watch on Kidde’s YouTube channel.

This is the third year of Kidde’s Cause for Alarm campaign, which supports vulnerable communities that are at a higher risk of fire-related incidents.

Through partnerships with organizations such as the National Parent Teacher Association, Cause for Alarm helps address gaps in education and access to fire safety measures to provide resources and life-saving devices.

This year, until the end of November, buying a Kidde alarm will prompt a $1 contribution for alarm donations up to $1,000,000 in total retail value to communities in need.

Now, let’s talk about fire safety. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 3 out of 5 home fire deaths occur in properties without working smoke alarms. As such, it’s important to check your batteries and test your smoke alarms at home to ensure they are in working order and discuss with your children what to do when they hear beeps that last.

Visit causeforalarm.org to find activities for families, including a toolkit of worksheets, a children’s book, a kid-friendly podcast, and more.

*Based on total household alarm installations as of December 2023