CPSC Survey Would Look at Smoke and CO Alarm Use

Commissioners were slated to vote as PSL went to press to begin a 60-day comment period on a possible survey to assess use of smoke and/or carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. The goal is to get data from 1,185 homes although the contractor (Eureka Facts) would do an initial run of 50 homes to identify any problems with the survey. Interviews would be both face-to-face and by phone.

Smoke alarms would be used for screening. If a telephone respondent indicates having a testable smoke alarm, then the next step would be an in-home review. Reasons for excluding homes for visits are lack of alarms or presence of alternate units like central alarms that notify authorities. Nonetheless, the non-visited respondents would hear questions about their demographics and safety attitudes.

Meanwhile, the visited respondents would hear questions about their alarms, and a two-person team would test them, including CO units if present. Additionally, if any alarms do not work, residents could opt to receive free replacements. The survey team would do the installation.

As for the comment period, CPSC wants to know:

• If the data would be necessary and have practical utility.
• If CPSC's burden estimates are accurate: 1,422 hours and $50,680 distributed across 1,185 respondents.
• Ideas for improving data quality, utility, and clarity.
• Ideas to minimize burdens, especially via automated information collection techniques.