‘Working smoke alarms save lives’: Fire service calls for life-saving device on every floor

Every home should have more than one smoke alarm warns the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

It wants households to carry out a check after research revealed that in fires where a smoke alarm failed to activate the most common reason was due to the smoke not reaching the detector.

“Working smoke alarms save lives,” said Nickie Smith, prevention manager at Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

“These devices will provide vital seconds for you and your loved ones to escape in the event of a fire.

“Remember, you’re around eight times more likely to die in a fire if you do not have a working smoke alarm in your home.”

She said that while most households had one alarm, this may not be enough – ideally there should be one for every floor of the home and installed near high-risk rooms.

“To ensure your whole home is covered, place at least one smoke alarm on every level so that each room is in range.

“Place them on the ceilings of hallways or landings, positioning them near bedrooms or rooms with many electrical appliances.”

How to protect your home with smoke alarms

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service recommends that homes have at least one smoke alarm on every level of the home.

They should be installed close to high-risk areas, but not in kitchens or bathrooms, where smoke or steam can set them off.

The best place to install them is on a ceiling in a hallway or landing.

They need to be tested regularly, ideally on a weekly basis.

Change the batteries once a year, and never remove them temporarily.

The whole alarm needs replacing every 10 years, even if they still look like they are working.

Consider checking on vulnerable relatives or neighbours who may need assistance with installing and testing their smoke alarms.

Visit RBFRS’s Safety at Home website for more information and advice.