This collaboration marks the 19th year of the initiative, which aims to reduce home fire risks through direct community engagement. The campaign coincides with Fire Prevention Week, running from Oct. 4 to Oct. 10. Beyond smoke alarm checks, the partnership focuses on the growing threat of lithium-ion battery fires. Participating stores will distribute informational flyers highlighting safe charging practices for common household electronics like laptops and smartphones.

Lorraine Carli, NFPA vice president of outreach and advocacy, emphasized that the prevalence of battery-powered devices makes early warning systems more critical than ever. According to the NFPA, the majority of U.S. fire-related fatalities occur within the home. The organization urges residents to install alarms on every level of the house, including basements and outside sleeping areas, while performing monthly tests to ensure the devices remain functional. Smoke alarms should be replaced entirely if they reach the 10-year mark.