Smoke detectors may be annoying when they go off on a Sunday morning as you’ve burnt the toast again but don’t be tempted to take the batteries out and forget about them. Not many people realise that it is actually the toxic smoke that is most dangerous in a house fire as it can make you unconscious before you realise the house is on fire. Smoke detectors provide an early warning of fire to enable you to escape in good time.
Which Smoke Alarm For Me?
You can choose between ionisation alarms and optical alarms. Ionisation alarms are good for detecting fires that burn fiercely, like chip-pan fires. Optical alarms are better at detecting slow-burning fires, such as overheated wiring or smouldering foam-filled furniture. Ideally, you should install one of each smoke detector but if this isn’t possible either will do the job. Make sure it carries the British Standard Kitemark.
There are many different models so choose which one will be most convenient for you to use and maintain. There are models available that have ten-year batteries inside them, and alarms that you can switch to ‘silent’ when you are cooking, for example. There are also alarms linked to flashing lights or vibrating pads which go under your pillow, so people with visual or auditory impairments can stay safe too.
Fitting and Testing Smoke Alarms
A smoke alarm should be fitted on every level of your residential or commercial property. They should be fixed to the ceiling in the middle of the room or landing. If your property is a single-storey building fit the smoke alarm between the living area and the bedrooms. It is even possible to get free smoke alarms so there really is no excuse for not having them fitted in your home. Your insurance costs should also be lower if you have smoke alarms fitted, and some insurance companies will even insist on there being smoke alarms installed before they insure your home.
Remember to test your smoke alarm every week so you know when the batteries need changing.
Fire Safety Tips
- Be careful when cooking. Don’t leave pans on the heat unattended. Don’t let loose clothing or tea-towels, for example, catch fire.
- Don’t leave a naked flame unattended. Candles and open fires, for example, should not be left burning when no-one is watching them. Use proper containers for candles.
- Don’t overload sockets. As far as possible, try to use just one plug per socket. Replace broken plugs and wires.