How many smoke detectors do I need?
The number of smoke detectors you need will vary depending on the size and layout of your property however you need at least one smoke detector on each level of your home.
No area of your house should be located outside of a smoke detectors range otherwise a fire will not be detected in that space.
Smoke detectors only alerted householders to a fire in 43% of cases, commonly it did not activate due to the fire being out of its range.
Smoke detectors are life-saving pieces of equipment and in the New Year you should ensure that you have the correct amount of working smoke detectors, especially as a landlord. Early detection and warning is vital to minimise damage and give you time to evacuate.
Did you know that you are 4x more likely to survive a house fire if you have a working smoke detector?
Where should my smoke detectors be located?
You may have enough smoke detectors but are they in the right place? Your smoke detectors should be:
- On the ceiling
- In the middle of a room or in a hallway/landing
- Not in/near kitchens or bathrooms where smoke and steam can accidentally set them off
We would also recommend fitting additional detectors near sleeping areas and in rooms where there are electrical appliances.
Smoke Detector Requirements as a Landlord
If you’re reading this and you are a landlord or letting agent, it is a legal requirement to have a fully operational fire detection system installed in your property.
Landlords must follow the Domestic Fire Alarm Regulations (BS5839-6:2019). This requires landlords to have;
- A smoke detector installed on the escape routes for each floor, a detector in the lounge (or principal habitable room), and a heat detector in the kitchen.
- A carbon monoxide alarm in any room used as living accommodation where solid fuel is used.
- New tenancy smoke alarm checks. A landlord must make sure the alarms are in working order at the start of each new tenancy. NSI can arrange this for you professionally and swiftly. Book in here.
Fire prevention
When correctly installed, smoke detectors should detect any fires that start in your home however preventing fires entirely is ideal.
To prevent a domestic fire from starting in your home, you should:
- Never leave candles unattended and keep them away from flammable materials
- Unplug all appliances before going to bed
- Keep all electrical appliances properly maintained
- Never smoke in bed
- Ensure all cigarettes are extinguished properly
- Never leave pans unattended (the majority of household fires are caused by cooking)
- Keep clothing and flammable materials away from heaters
- Regularly test your smoke detectors
In the event of a fire
In the event of a domestic fire, smoke is the biggest killer. We have collected some helpful advice to educate you on how to get you and your family safely out of a domestic fire.
Every household should have a practiced fire escape plan. You should ensure that every person in the household knows that speed is essential to escape a house fire and knows what to do. Closing doors can buy you some time to escape but you need to get out fast.
Domestic fires get hot and the heat can kill you without even touching the flames. The temperature at your head could be at 300﮿C whereas the floor level temperature may be only 32﮿C. Stay towards the ground to avoid the most dangerous temperatures.
Cost of a Smoke Detector Test
Prices start from just £65 + VAT* (*dependent upon location).
If you would like to find out more about our SAFE Certified package, which combines three amazing services in just one appointment (including Smoke Detector Testing), with savings of over £100 per property, click here.
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