Citation

Hygge S. Fire Safety J. 1989; 15(6): 421-435.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1989, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study compared the changes in fire risks and average monetary compensation for property loss before and after the distribution of 21 000 free home smoke detectors from a local insurance company. Life safety and injuries to people were not considered. To control for changes that were not due to the large increase in smoke detector coverage, a second insurance company in the same geographical area was added as a comparison, or control group. Average monetary compensation and fire risks were compared for small, medium-sized and heavy fires. The results showed no general effect of the sharp increase in smoke detector coverage on fire risk and compensation paid by the insurance companies. For the heavy fires, though not for the small and medium-sized fires, there was a significant decrease in compensation paid by the company with the free smoke detector. The reduction in compensation paid was small compared to the yearly costs of the batteries for the smoke detectors. The results were discussed in terms of smoke detectors as a technical device and a self-selection of fire safety conscious persons to the group that install a smoke detector in their homes.