WAKE COUNTY, N.C. -

A survey performed by Kelton Research indicates that while most Americans have smoke alarms in their homes, many may not be prepared if a fire actually occurred.

A fire can double in size every 30 seconds, leaving families little time to react. While the majority of respondents expressed confidence that they could locate and use a fire extinguisher, in reality, most Americans may not be able to reach one in time. Nearly a quarter (24%) of those surveyed don't own a fire extinguisher, and just over a third (37%) only have one. More alarming, close to half (46%) of American households have not developed a fire escape plan, and most (69%) of those that have a plan only practice it once a year or less.

"Most Americans are aware of the need for multiple smoke alarms in their home," said Suzanne Turner, vice-president of marketing and communications for Kidde (pronounced "Kidda"), a leading fire safety product manufacturer that sponsored the survey. "However, this research confirms that families still don't realize the importance of other basic fire safety steps. A fire extinguisher can put out a small, contained fire, and all families need to know what to do once a smoke alarm sounds."

Wintertime is the deadliest time of year for home fires as families turn on their home's heat, use space heaters and fireplaces, and begin holiday cooking and decorating. The fire safety experts at Kidde urge you to take time now and update your home's fire safety plan.

Education Needed on Fire Extinguisher Maintenance

While 83 percent of Americans test their smoke alarms at least once a year, many consumers are unaware of the need to make sure a fire extinguisher is properly charged. Only 11 percent of extinguisher owners check the gauge as frequently as they should -- once a month. Nearly a quarter (24%) have never checked their extinguishers. Most Americans do not realize that more than 80 percent of fire extinguishers sold at retailers are single-use units -- meaning they cannot be recharged.

When selecting a home fire extinguisher, follow these tips: -- Choose a UL-listed fire extinguisher based on your home's needs -- living area, kitchen, garage -- remembering that bigger is better. Extinguishers are rated based on their firefighting ability; the higher the number, the more firefighting agent it has. -- Look for an extinguisher with an easy-to-read pressure gauge and clear instructions. -- Place fire extinguishers on every floor, and in locations where a fire may begin. The National Fire Protection Association recommends having an extinguisher every 40 feet. -- Check the extinguisher's gauge monthly. If the needle is on empty or "in the red," replace the unit. -- Buy an extra extinguisher and use it outside, without a fire, to prepare for an emergency. -- Respect all fires, regardless of size. The main objective is safe escape. Research Also Indicates Need for Planning & Overall Safety

The NFPA states someone in the United States dies in a house fire every three hours.

The Kelton study found that most families are unprepared to safely escape a home fire. Nearly half of those surveyed (46%) do not have a fire escape plan. Less than a third (31%) of the families with a plan practice it more than once a year as recommended by fire safety experts.

"It is imperative that families practice fire escape plans during the day and at night," said Turner. "A fire that happens when your family is asleep is probably one of the most difficult fire situations. Smoke, coupled with darkness, makes it difficult to see and can be very scary. Knowing how to get out quickly can literally mean the difference between life and death."

Fire extinguishers and escape planning are just part of an overall fire safety plan. Families also should install working smoke alarms in every room and have working carbon monoxide (CO) alarms on each floor and near sleeping areas. The Kelton study found that most Americans had three smoke alarms in their home on average, but only half had a CO alarm.

As the world's largest manufacturer of fire safety products, Kidde's mission is to provide solutions that protect people and property from the effects of fire and its related hazards. For more than 90 years industry leaders, the military, and airlines have relied on Kidde to deliver superior fire detection and suppression. Consumers will find that same advanced technology in Kidde's residential and commercial smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers and other life safety products. Based in Mebane, NC, Kidde is part of UTC Fire and Security, which provides fire safety and security solutions to more than one million customers worldwide. Headquartered in Connecticut, UTC Fire & Security is a business unit of United Technologies Corp., which provides high technology products and services to the building and aerospace industries worldwide.