06/06/2023
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 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
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