Background: In 2014, there were 2,745 residential fire deaths. A working smoke alarm reduces the risk of dying in a fire by 50%. Previous work has demonstrated discrepancies between self-reported and observed smoke alarm functionality. Accurate reporting of smoke alarm presence and functionality is essential to provide correct educational messages. Methods: The data come from a single group, cross sectional survey of parents of children aged 4-7 who were recruited for a randomized trial during a visit to the Emergency Department. As part of a survey about safety behaviors, parents were asked if they had: 1) any working smoke alarm; and 2) a working smoke alarm on every level of their home. These two questions constitute the Brief Form. Subsequently, parents answered an Extended Form prompting them to consider each level and how they knew the smoke alarms were functioning properly. Summary variables were created and compared to the single items. Results: 567 parents completed both Forms. The typical respondent was an employed (67%), 32 years old, African American (60%) female (92%) who had completed high school (94%). In response to the Brief Form, 96% of parents reported having any smoke alarm and 92% reported having a working alarm on every level. Based on the Extended Form, 85% of parents reported having any smoke alarm and 73% reported having a working alarm on every level. Conclusion: Prompting residents to think about the presence and functionality of smoke alarms on each level of their home improves self-report of working smoke alarms.