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

1. A single smoke alarm isn’t enough.
2. Consider everyone’s needs – if there’s any reason there might be a delay in noticing or escaping from a fire, seek extra help.
3. Fit smoke alarms on a ceiling (or high up on a wall, if the instructions state it is suitable for wall mounting).
4. Make sure you fit an appropriate alarm in every room where there’s a fire risk.
5. Follow the instructions that come with the alarm when it comes to installation– they all work in different ways.
6. Screw don’t glue – if you use glue, it can seep into the alarm, and stop it working.
7. Fit your smoke alarms away from kitchens or bathrooms as steam can damage the alarm, or set it off by mistake.
8. Fit a heat alarm in the kitchen.
9. Choose smoke alarms with a 10 year or long-lasting sealed battery.