The early warning that saves lives
Most fires at home start accidentally – and the effects can be devastating. A fire detection system (that’s smoke and heat alarms to most of us!) provides an early warning – and time to escape – that really does save lives.
Smoke alarm or heat alarm – what’s the difference?
Smoke alarms detect smoke – fit them in all rooms where a fire might start. But in smoky or steamy rooms like your kitchen or bathroom, a heat alarm is more suitable. These alarms go off when the room reaches a certain temperature. They are just as easy to fit as
Smoke and fire alarm must-knows
- Don’t just fit a smoke alarm in your hall and landing– also fit them in any room where a fire can start. For example, any room where you smoke ,have lit diyas/ candles or leave appliances plugged in.
- Smoke alarms are not suitable for kitchens but heat alarms are. Fitting a heat alarm in your kitchen will give you warning of an increase in temperature caused by a fire but will not be set off by cooking fumes.
- Some battery or mains alarms can be interlinked, so that when one alarm detects a fire they all go off together, giving you warning wherever you are in your home. This is particularly important where a person has any issues that may prevent or delay their escape to ensure they are alerted to a fire as soon as possible.
-
- It’s also possible to fit extra automatic ‘fire suppression’ systems at home – that’s things like sprinklers. These are a great idea if there’s anything that might prevent you escaping quickly.
How to choose a smoke alarm
Setting up the right fire alarm system for you
A couple of hours – and not much money – is all you need to get an appropriate fire detection system in place. It’s well worth spending the time, as an early warning really can save your life.
9 tips to get your fire alarm system sorted
- A single smoke alarm isn’t enough.
- Consider everyone’s needs – if there’s any reason there might be a delay in noticing or escaping from a fire, seek extra help.
- Fit smoke alarms on a ceiling (or high up on a wall, if the instructions state it is suitable for wall mounting).
- Make sure you fit an appropriate alarm in every room where there’s a fire risk.
- Follow the instructions that come with the alarm when it comes to installation– they all work in different ways.
- Screw don’t glue – if you use glue, it can seep into the alarm, and stop it working.
- Fit your smoke alarms away from kitchens or bathrooms as steam can damage the alarm, or set it off by mistake.
- Fit a heat alarm in the kitchen.
- Choose smoke alarms with a 10 year or long-lasting sealed battery.