Smoke alarms

Smoke alarms are the only efficient way of alerting people to a fire in their home

A smoke alarm could save your life! Its an early warning system which warns you almost as soon as a fire starts, giving you time to alert everybody in your household and time to escape.

The risk of having a fire may not be great especially if you are in the habit of taking sensible precautions, but the risk is greater if you or your family:

Smoke cigarettes, cigars or a pipe
Cook food in oil at high temperature, for example, chips
Have electrical appliances
Use candles

Getting a smoke alarm

You can buy smoke alarms from DIY stores, hardware and electrical shops
Also supermarkets, mail order and convenience shops
If you have access to the internet you can buy them online

Smoke alarm pricing

A basic battery operated alarm costs from as little as £3.99, however the more features incorporated into the alarm, the more it is likely to cost

Types of smoke alarm

There are several different types available to suit your needs that have varying features, which might include a 'hush button' or an emergency light
Battery models are available in standard (1-5 year life) or sealed long-life versions (up to 10 years)
Others are linked directly to the mains electricity and backed up by a rechargeable battery.
There are also types that plug into a light fitting with a battery back up
For the deaf or hard of hearing there are units available with a strobe type light and vibrating pads for under the pillow at night
An ionisation type alarm is good for detecting free-burning, 'flaming' fires (for example chip-pan fires)
An optical type alarm is good for detecting slow burning or 'smouldering' fires (for example, foam-filled furniture)
The 'Hush Button' facility allows you to silence the alarm if it has activated when there is not a fire, for example from cooking fumes or cigarette smoke. Once activated the alarm will silence and rearm itself after a few minutes. The hush system is overridden if there is a real fire.
Some types can be inter-linked together so that they will all operate if a single unit is activated

Where should they be fitted?

Smoke alarms come complete with fitting and maintenance instructions
They will also include a guide on the best locations
Fit at least one alarm but usually one per floor level
Secure directly onto the ceiling at the high points keeping at least 30cm from any light fittings
Do not fit smoke alarms in kitchens or bathrooms
Never disconnect if the alarm is causing a nuisance. It is probably the wrong type or in the wrong place.
If it is difficult to fit the alarm yourself, ask a family member or neighbour to help you out
Never put it off. A smoke alarm can only protect you if it is installed and working.