Fire & Smoke Alarms
Fire Alarms are essential so that people can be evacuated and the Fire Brigade alerted immediately in the event of a fire.
Smoke alarms, or smoke detectors as they are sometimes known, are small devices, about the size of a hand. They are fitted to the ceiling and are able to detect fires in their earliest stages and sound a loud warning alarm. If you live in a flat or bungalow, one smoke alarm should be enough to provide you with early warning or fire. If your home has more than one storey, make your home secure, it is best to fit an alarm on each floor. Do not fit an alarm in the kitchen or bathroom, as the steam or cooking fumes may trigger the alarm. In some cases you may be able to link more than one alarm together so that if one senses smoke they will all sound an alarm. You should check with an electrician before trying to link the alarms yourself. Smoke or fire alarms are simply screwed into the ceiling and should be fitted at least 30 centimetres (12 inches) away from any wall or light fitting and as close to the centre of the room, hallway or landing ceiling as possible. (Always read the manufacturers' instructions before fitting).
