Smoke alarms

It is not unknown for people to install commercial fire alarms in their homes. But for most people this is beyond their budget. The main early warning device suitable for use in virtually every home is the smoke alarm. There are number of things that need to be remembered if these are to work effectively and save lives.

The aim of a smoke alarm is to give people extra few minutes to be able to put out a very small fire or to help them get out safely. They are not very expensive and are simple to install. They can be bought from DIY or hardware shops and even some supermarkets. Choose an alarm that meets British Standard BS5446 part 1 and carries the kitemark.

Things to remember

• A smoke alarm that is sitting in a box in the roof space will not alert you to a fire, in other words there is no point having one and not fitting it.
• Think carefully where you put a smoke alarm. It needs to be somewhere where it any smoke there could be will go past it and trigger the alarm. But it should not be positioned so that it keeps on going off due to smoke coming off burnt food or steam from the bathroom. It is important to follow the manufacturers instructions abut this.
• If you cannot fit one yourself local voluntary organisations might be able to make arrangements to have the alarm fitted for you.
• Consider carefully how many you need. One particular seller of such items suggests having one upstairs and downstairs. This partly depends on your own means and situation. This is even better if they are connected so they can detect a fire downstairs and sound upstairs. To do this it will be necessary to seek advice from an electrician
• Smoke alarms work better if they are kept clean. If you think about it the smoke can get to the sensor better if it is not blocked by dust and cobwebs.
• The batteries need testing regularly, some say once a month.
• Set a date that you will remember such as a family birthday or Bonfire Night to change the battery every year.
• It is possible to obtain smoke alarms that can warn those who cannot hear a conventional alarm. For advice contact the RNID or social services.

Other equipment

Fire blankets can be used to smother fires if they are used properly. They are also good to use when clothes have caught fire. But if they are not to hand dropping to the floor and rolling over is as effective and quicker.

Fire blankets should be held so that they protect you as you approach the fire that you are going to smother.

Fire extinguishers can control fires if you have no way of escaping. However, the advice stays get out stay and and the professionals out.