Paediatric emergency department-based screening for home fire safety practices and smoke alarm programme awareness in Baltimore, Maryland

Background Fire-related injuries and deaths are significant public health concerns, with high-risk groups including children under 5 years. Although the use of functioning smoke alarms is an effective prevention strategy, many are not regularly tested. This study aims to establish the feasibility of surveying home fire safety practices and awareness of community resources among caregivers visiting a paediatric emergency department (ED). Methods This feasibility study surveyed a convenience sample of caregivers accompanying children to an urban mid-Atlantic academic paediatric ED. Caregivers reported on the number, location and status of home smoke alarms, fire safety practices, knowledge of community resources, and interest in using a free smoke alarm programme. Enrolment information for programmes was provided. Telephone and email follow-up was conducted at 1 month to determine programme participation and gather feedback about programme enrolment. Results Of 166 patients approached, 103 (62%) participated; of these, 40% had children under 5 years residing in the home. Although most participants reported having multiple smoke alarms, only 25% reported testing alarms monthly, and 32% lacked a fire safety plan. About two-thirds (65%) were unaware of community-based smoke alarm programmes, 38% expressed interest in participating, and, of these, 9% reported contact with the programme at follow-up. Discussion and conclusions There are opportunities to improve home fire safety practices, awareness of smoke alarm programmes and programme participation in this at-risk population. The paediatric ED may be an important setting to provide fire safety education and directly link caregivers to community resources to reduce fire-related risks.