Accidental causes are responsible for most home fires, so it is important to take the time to learn how to protect yourself, others and your property to prevent such fires.
Use trusted and certified smoke alarms
To safeguard yourself, your home and others from the risk of fire, ensure you have functioning smoke alarms installed on every level and check them regularly each month. This is the simplest and most effective way to prevent fire hazards.
You have two options for a battery-powered smoke alarm. You can choose the ten-year sealed battery option, which will last the lifetime of the alarm (remember to replace smoke alarms every 10 years), or you can choose a smoke alarm with replaceable batteries.
If your house is big or has multiple levels, you can think about getting mains-powered alarms that use your home power supply. It’s essential to have them installed by a professional installer like Dorset Fire & Security.
You can also interlink alarms so that when one alarm goes off, the others also go off. This ensures that the sound of the alarm is heard in all areas of your home.
When choosing a smoke alarm, it is important to make sure that you are purchasing a device that has been tested by a reputable third-party.
Fitting and testing smoke alarms
We recommended that you install at least one smoke alarm on each floor of your home, ideally on the ceiling and in the centre of a room, hallway, or landing to ensure that you can hear the alarm from throughout your house.
To increase safety, install smoke alarms in bedrooms to protect you while you sleep, as well as in other rooms with fire hazards. If you have a room that has high humidity, steam, or dust (such as your kitchen, garage, or loft), it is recommended to use a heat alarm.
For protection against carbon monoxide poisoning, it is recommended that you install carbon monoxide alarms near fuel burning appliances. Poisoning from carbon monoxide can be fatal and it is known as ‘the silent killer’ because it is impossible to see, taste or smell. An audible alarm is the only means of detecting it.
It is advisable to conduct weekly tests on all alarms to ensure both the sensor and power supply are functional. To test, press the button until the alarm produces sound. If it fails to sound, you should replace the battery.
If your smoke alarm beeps regularly, it means you should replace the battery right away. Even if the alarm goes off by mistake, never disconnect or remove its batteries.
Have an escape route planned
It is important to have a pre-planned escape route in case of a fire, and make sure everyone in your house is aware of it.
It is best to use the usual way to enter and exit your home as the primary route. However, it’s a good idea to have a backup option in case the primary route is obstructed.
Spend a few minutes reviewing and practising your escape plan, and remember to update it in case there are any changes to the layout of your home.
It is crucial to remember to keep door and window keys in an easily accessible location for all members of the family, avoiding using lifts and balconies during a fire, and always keep exists clear.
If you live in a block of flats make sure any doors to the stairways are unlocked and check that there is nothing in communal areas that could easily catch fire, such as rubbish.
Even if your block has a smoke alarm and warning system, you should also install an alarm in your flat for added safety.
About Dorset Fire & Security
Dorset Fire & Security provides fire and security services to both commercial and residential customers throughout the UK, with a focus on comprehensive offerings for those in the public sector.
We aim to provide our customers with reliable and effective fire and security solutions. Dorset Fire & Security can provide you with a comprehensive solution that caters to your specific requirements.
This will cover protection against fires and intruders, or simply provide you with a sense of security by ensuring your property is well-protected.
Contact Us
If you want to learn more about our fire alarm installation options, which include different types of fire alarm systems, or if you want to request a free site survey, please get in touch with us today.
