Elmswell Fire Station - Smoke Alarms

Smoke Alarms

A smoke alarm is an early warning device that detects smoke at the earliest stage of a fire, giving you precious time to alert everybody to get out safely.

Smoke alarms can cost as little as Ł5.00 and are easy to buy and fit. Many Supermarkets and DIY stores stock them and they can even be purchased over the internet. For minimum protection, one smoke alarm should be fitted on every floor of your home. If your house has more than one floor, fit one on the ceiling at the bottom of the stairs and then one on the landing of each other floor. For maximum protection, fit a smoke alarm in each room of your house, except for the Kitchen, Bathroom and Garage (where they may cause many false alarms).

There are two main types of alarms;

Ionisation Alarms these are the cheaper type and are sensitive to "Flaming" fires before the smoke gets too thick.

Optical Alarms these can be more expensive and are more effective at detecting slow-burning fires, (for example smouldering foam-filled furniture and overheated electrical wiring). They are less likely to go off accidentally, and are best for single level homes or ground-floor hallways.

Having both types fitted in your home in the appropriate places would provide the best safety warning, however at least one type is better than none.

There are several different styles of smoke alarm, some battery operated some that are mains powered. Some come with an emergency light, some with a silencer button for false alarms. Which ever type you choose for your home, ensure it meets with the British Standards Institution (BSI) and carries the kitemark.

For help and advice on Smoke Alarms you can always contact your local Fire Service

Look after your Smoke Alarms

Follow the manufacturers instructions for fitting and regular maintenance.

Once a Week you should check the alarm by pressing the test button, or using one of the testing sources currently available on the market.

Once a Year you should replace the batteries in your alarms.

Twice a Year you should open the alarm case and gently vacuum the inside using a soft-brush attachment to remove dust from the sensor chamber. If the case does not open, vacuum over the slots to suck out any dust.


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Home The Present Crew Station History Fire Safety News Fund Raising Gallery Contact Us	Smoke Alarms A smoke alarm is an early warning device that detects smoke at the earliest stage of a fire, giving you precious time to alert everybody to get out safely. Smoke alarms can cost as little as Ł5.00 and are easy to buy and fit. Many Supermarkets and DIY stores stock them and they can even be purchased over the internet. For minimum protection, one smoke alarm should be fitted on every floor of your home. If your house has more than one floor, fit one on the ceiling at the bottom of the stairs and then one on the landing of each other floor. For maximum protection, fit a smoke alarm in each room of your house, except for the Kitchen, Bathroom and Garage (where they may cause many false alarms). There are two main types of alarms; Ionisation Alarms these are the cheaper type and are sensitive to "Flaming" fires before the smoke gets too thick. Optical Alarms these can be more expensive and are more effective at detecting slow-burning fires, (for example smouldering foam-filled furniture and overheated electrical wiring). They are less likely to go off accidentally, and are best for single level homes or ground-floor hallways. Having both types fitted in your home in the appropriate places would provide the best safety warning, however at least one type is better than none. There are several different styles of smoke alarm, some battery operated some that are mains powered. Some come with an emergency light, some with a silencer button for false alarms. Which ever type you choose for your home, ensure it meets with the British Standards Institution (BSI) and carries the kitemark. For help and advice on Smoke Alarms you can always contact your local Fire Service Look after your Smoke Alarms Follow the manufacturers instructions for fitting and regular maintenance. Once a Week you should check the alarm by pressing the test button, or using one of the testing sources currently available on the market. Once a Year you should replace the batteries in your alarms. Twice a Year you should open the alarm case and gently vacuum the inside using a soft-brush attachment to remove dust from the sensor chamber. If the case does not open, vacuum over the slots to suck out any dust.