Smoke alarms can be lifesavers, if they are working. In fact, you are nine times more likely to die in a fire in the home if you don’t have working smoke alarms. A fire can destroy sentimental and material possessions and have a devastating impact on people. 

Most people know that working smoke alarms save lives. They provide the vital early warning that allows for a safe escape. But, despite 95% of homes having at least one working smoke alarm, smoke alarms only alerted householders to just one in every three fires in the home in England.  

The most common reason for a smoke alarm failing to activate was because the fire was outside of its range. Follow these smoke alarm tips: 

• A single smoke alarm is not enough – install  AT LEAST ONE  smoke alarm on every level of your home 
• The ideal position is on the ceiling, in the middle of a room or on a hallway or landing 
• Consider fitting additional alarms in other rooms where there are electrical appliances or near sleeping areas 
• Don’t put alarms in or near kitchens and bathrooms where smoke or steam could set them off accidentally – heat alarms can be installed in kitchens instead. 
• Standard battery operated smoke alarms are cheapest. The batteries need to be replaced every year. 
• 10-year sealed battery smoke alarms cost slightly more but you save the cost of replacing the battery every year. 
• Make sure the alarms can be heard from areas where people may fall asleep – make sure you have working smoke alarms in the rooms you use the most. 
• Test your smoke alarms EVERY WEEK and replace them every 10 years 

For more information about the 10 year battery smoke alarms that we fit please visit:  FireHawk smoke, heat and CO alarms (fireblitz.co.uk)