Smoke alarms
Introduction to smoke
alarms
Smoke alarms save lives!
Smoke alarms are effective in detecting many of the 60,000 house
fires that the Fire and Rescue Service are called out to each
year...but many of the 500 deaths and 11,000 injuries could be
avoided with a correctly fitted and working smoke alarm.
The following sections will provide you with all the
information that you need regarding smoke alarms.
We offer Home Fire Safety Checks to
the most vulnerable individuals and groups within our communities.
Intelligence-led information and working closely with our partners
allows us to identify the individuals and groups that are most at
risk.
If you meet our criteria, we invite you to complete
our online application form or alternatively you can call
freephone 0800-3286487.
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Choosing a smoke alarm
A lot of people forget to check their smoke alarms, so the best
choice of power supply is usually the one that lasts longest. Below
are listed the different types of smoke alarm available.
- Standard-battery alarms - An ‘ionisation
battery alarm’ is the cheapest and most basic smoke alarm
available. An ‘optical battery alarm’ is a little more expensive.
Both run off 9-volt batteries.
- Battery alarms with an emergency light - These
come fitted with an emergency light which comes on when the alarm
is triggered. They are particularly suitable if someone in your
house has hearing difficulties.
- Alarms with 10-year batteries - These are
slightly more expensive, but you save on the cost of replacing
batteries. They are available as ionisation or optical alarms and
are fitted with a long-life lithium battery or a sealed power pack
that lasts for 10 years.
- Models with a ‘hush’ or ‘silence’ button -
Some models are available with a 'hush' button which will silence
the alarm for a short time. This can be used when cooking, for
example. If there is a real fire, giving off lots of smoke, the
hush system is overridden and the alarm sounds. These models will
continue to remind you they have been silenced by 'chirping' or by
displaying a red light.
- Mains-powered alarms - These are powered by
your home’s electricity supply and need to be installed by
qualified electricians. There’s no battery to check, although they
are available with battery back-up in case of a power cut.
- Interconnecting or linked alarms - Some alarms
can be connected to each other so that when one senses smoke, all
the alarms in the property sound. They are useful for people with
hearing difficulties and also in larger homes.
- Mains-powered alarm with strobe light and vibrating pad
- These are designed for people who are deaf or
have hearing difficulties. If there’s a fire, the alarm alerts you
with a flashing light and vibrating pad (which is placed beneath
your pillow).
- Mains-powered alarm which plugs into a light socket
- This type of alarm uses a rechargeable battery
that charges up when the light is switched on. It lasts for 10
years and can be silenced or tested by the light switch.
Whichever model you choose, you should make sure that it meets
British Standard 5446, Part 1 (BS 5446-1) and ideally also carries
the British Standard Kitemark. Your local Fire and Rescue Service
will help you decide which is best for your circumstances if you
would like some advice.
Supporting document
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Where do I install my smoke
alarm?
Smoke alarms are easy to fit. You need a screwdriver, and that's
about it.
How many?
The more you have the safer you'll be. At minimum you should
have one on each floor - probably in the hall and landing
ceilings.
But if you have only one smoke alarm and 2 floors, put it where
you can hear it when you're asleep - in the ceiling at the top of
the stairs leading to the bedrooms.
If you have a TV or other large electrical appliance in your
bedroom, you should fit a smoke alarm there.
Where?
The best place is on the ceiling, near or at the middle of the
room or hall. The alarm should be at least 30cm (one foot) away
from a wall or light.
Installing your smoke alarm
Installing a smoke alarm is easy to do and only takes a few
minutes - just follow the manufacturer's instructions.
If it's difficult for you to fit a smoke alarm ask a family
member or friend to help you, or contact your local
Fire Safety Centre. Don't be tempted to have a go yourself if
you feel unsteady or unsure - you could fall and injure
yourself.
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Looking after your smoke
alarm
- Once a week test each alarm by pressing the test button until
the alarm sounds.
- Once a year change the battery (unless it's a ten-year
alarm).
- Twice a year open the case and gently vacuum the inside using
the soft-brush attachment to remove dust from the sensors. If it
doesn't open, vacuum through the holes.
- After 10 years it's best to get a whole new alarm.
- If your smoke alarm keeps going off don't take out the battery!
Most probably it's positioned too near the kitchen. Move it further
down the hall. If it's not the cooking setting it off, try
vacuuming the alarm as there may be a build-up of dust or
dirt.
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Is your hearing putting you at risk from
fire?
A third of people with hearing loss say they would have
difficulty waking up to a conventional smoke alarm. With most
domestic fires happening during the night, this could potentially
be life threatening. Furthermore, many people are unaware that they
even have a hearing problem.
You can test your hearing using RNID's 5-minute telephone
hearing check by calling 0844-800-3838. For more information visit
RNID's website.
If the check shows you may have problems with your hearing you
can find out more about special smoke alarms available by visiting
the Fire Kills web
page on the Directgov website. Alternatively contact
your local Community Fire Safety Department on 01243 786211 or
by email: wsfrs@westsussex.gov.uk.
Supporting documents
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