Smoke Alarms

The importance of smoke alarms in providing an early warning of fire cannot be underestimated. You are around ten times more likely to die from a fire if you do not have a working smoke alarm in your home and this risk is heightened if you are an older person or living with a disability/disabilities.

What NOT To Do

Do not ignore a smoke alarm emitting an intermittent beep

Do not remove the battery from a smoke alarm. Most modern smoke alarms are sealed units which means the battery cannot be removed
Do not ignore a smoke alarm emitting an intermittent beep, it is a sign that the smoke alarm is not working correctly and needs replacing
Do not fit a smoke alarm close to a bathroom door as steam can damage the sensor within it or accidentally trigger it to sound

What TO Do

Fit a minimum of one smoke alarm on every level of your home, ideally in the hallway and on the landing from where the sound will travel to all rooms
It is recommended that a heat alarm should be fitted in the kitchen
Always install smoke alarms according to the manufacturer’s guidance
Test smoke alarms at least once a month. If you cannot reach them yourself even when using a broom handle, ask a visitor, friend or neighbour to help you
Replace smoke alarms every 10 years as the sensors in them will become less sensitive over time
If your smoke alarms have removable batteries, change the batteries every year. Only take a battery out when you need to replace it
Consider fitting smoke alarms in other rooms where there is additional risk
Ensure everyone in your home knows what to do if a smoke alarm sounds
Consider requesting a Home Fire Safety Visit to review fire precautions within your home and receive additional advice and guidance