Smoke alarms are a crucial component of any home’s safety equipment. These devices serve the vital purpose of alerting occupants to the presence of smoke, which can be indicative of a fire.
There are two main types of smoke alarms: ionization and photoelectric. Ionization smoke alarms use a small amount of radioactive material to detect smoke particles in the air. Photoelectric smoke alarms, on the other hand, use a beam of light to detect smoke particles. Both types of smoke alarms are effective, but some experts recommend using both types to ensure maximum protection.
It is important to note that these devices should be tested monthly to ensure that they are functioning properly.
If a smoke alarm emits an intermittent beep or chirp, it may indicate that its battery is low and needs to be replaced. Additionally, smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years due to build up of dust and particles internally.
When a smoke alarm sounds, it is important to immediately investigate and if needed, evacuate the home. If possible, close all doors behind you to help contain the fire. If smoke is present, stay low to the ground and crawl towards the exit. Once outside, call 999 and wait for authorities to arrive.
In conclusion, smoke alarms are a crucial part of any home’s safety equipment. They can mean the difference between life and death in the event of a fire. By installing and maintaining smoke alarms, homeowners can take an important step towards ensuring the safety of their families.
Fire and Rescue Services across England have attended more than 162,000 fire incidents since 2015, a five per cent increase on the previous year*
The are different grades of system for the planning, design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire detection in the UK’s domestic premises.
In the case of fire safety, BS 5839-6: 2013 (also known as BS 5839: Pt.6) is the code of practice.