Fire Alarms

It’s a proven fact that you double the risk of dying in a house fire if you do not have a fire or smoke alarm fitted. Most people know that the smoke from a fire is more deadly than the flames. However, simply fitting a smoke alarm will not ensure that you can escape or prevent a fire outbreak. It is important to place the fire alarm in a suitable location, such as the kitchen or hallway, and to maintain the smoke detector so that it can function correctly in the event of a fire. A dead battery could result in a similar human fate - death. Standard Smoke alarms take a 9 volt battery which should be tested weekly (press the test button) and changed annually. It is advisable to change your fire alarms every 10 years.

Smoke alarms are very simple to install and are one of the most effective methods of alerting people to a fire hazard. Give yourself and those in your building the best chance of escape. This section of Get Fire Safe will hopefully give you a guide to buying Fire Alarms for your home or business.

Buying a Fire Alarm

There are two types of smoke alarm detection. Ionisation alarms are cheaper and are effective at detecting fierce fires with flames, even when the smoke density is low. Optical alarms are more suited to slow-burning fires, such as smoldering fabrics, but are also more expensive. For the majority, a standard Ionisation smoke alarm should be sufficient, but to increase the chance of fire detection it would be advisable to install at least one of each type of fire alarm or purchase an alarm which combines both detection techniques.

Apart from the smoke detection technology there are other features to consider when buying a smoke alarm. The power source is an important factor. Most standard smoke alarms are fitted and run off a single 9 volt battery. This requires checking on a regular basis and is likely to require changing every year or so.
Alternatively, some smoke detectors are able to be powered off the mains reducing the need to maintain a live battery. These types are also likely to take a battery in the case that the mains supply is cut off.
If you are forgetful or slightly lazy, you have the option of a 10 year lithium battery powered smoke alarm. However, these two versions are slightly more expensive in the short term.

Other features to look out for on smoke detectors are whether it has an in-built emergency light and it may have a short-term silence option (eg. for smokey cooking). For the hard of hearing you can get fire alarms which come with a strobe light and a pad which vibrates upon detection. Smoke alarms can now be combined with Carbon Monoxide detectors in one alarm.
For larger premises, smoke alarms can be organised in a fire alarm system. If one smoke detector is activated, it triggers every other alarm linked up to the system.

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Locating Fire Alarms

Placing your fire alarm on the centre of the ceiling will allow the alarm the best chance in detecting smoke. In larger and multi-storey buildings, you should install at least one smoke alarm for every floor. Remember that you need to hear the alarm, so place one near the bedroom as well. The range of smoke detection is not extensive, so you are relying on the smoke to get to a level where it can be detected. That level may be too late if you have too few fire alarms. Place them in the highest risk areas, such as the kitchen and rooms with electrical equipment. Basically, the more you install, the better your chance of being alarmed and ultimately escaping.

Test your Fire Alarms

As said earlier, there is no point having the best fire alarm system money can buy when none of it is working. Invest time into maintaining your smoke alarms so that if or when a fire breaks out, you can prevent a house fire or escape unharmed. Check the battery weekly and change it yearly. A few minutes of your time can and does save lives.