From 30th September to 6th October of this year, the National Fire Chiefs Council is promoting Home Safety Week. Our homes are becoming a place filled with gadgets and appliances which we use on a daily basis; not to mention the cold weather coming, which means increased use of your fireplace.
It’s important that you are aware of the best way to install your smoke alarms, and to make sure the detection systems are suitable for your home and family. The NFCC has reported there has been a significant increase in working smoke alarms, which is great news, but unfortunately domestic fires still happen. It is key that you follow the right advice to keep your home protected.
Smoke detection awareness
Home Safety Week has been designed to heighten awareness of smoke detection in the home, with the NFCC asking people to think about their current detection systems.
Along with the type of detection system, it’s also important to invest in the best smoke alarm batteries. So, what key messages should you remember ahead of Home Safety Week?
How to use smoke alarms effectively
The National Fire Chiefs Council want to promote the installation of smoke alarms, and the idea of installing them in the right place. It’s important to have one smoke alarm on each level of your home at the very least. However, you should consider installing smoke alarm in whichever rooms are used the most.
Popular rooms are likely to be at higher risk; by having a smoke alarm fitted, you can be alerted to any danger much quicker.
The NFCC is offering a number of recommendations that should be carefully considered. This includes having a sealed battery compartment for your smoke alarm, to prevent any tampering or removal. It is also important to invest in a smoke alarm with a 10-year life span.
Good quality smoke alarm batteries will often have a 10-year life, but you should always check your alarm is working regularly!
Install your smoke alarms on the ceiling, as close to the centre of the room as possible; as long as they are at least 30cm away from a wall or light fitting. Your smoke alarm should be heard throughout your home.
Choosing the right smoke alarm
As previously mentioned, heat alarms can be useful for installing in the kitchen. This is because they are insensitive to smoke, and will instead detect an increase in temperature from a fire.
For landings, where smoke alarms are most commonly fitted, ionisation alarms or combined optical smoke and heat alarms are a recommended choice. An ionisation smoke alarm is very sensitive to small particles of smoke and will detect a fire before the smoke gets too think. A combined optical smoke and heat alarm will reduce false alarms while increasing the speed of detection.
If you wish to install smoke alarms in bedrooms, the living room or the hallway, consider an optical smoke alarm. Optical smoke alarms are most effective at detecting slow-burning fires, such as smouldering upholstery.
It is not necessary to fit a smoke alarm in your bathrooms, as steam could trigger the alarm.