Help keep your comunity safe by preventing false fire alarms

Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) is encouraging businesses, organisations and members of the public to take action in helping reduce the number of false alarms – also known as Unwanted Fire Signals – that continue to impact the local community and emergency services.

A false alarm occurs when a fire alarm system is activated, prompting a response from the fire service, but no fire or emergency is actually present. These false alarms can be caused by human error, faulty or poorly maintained equipment, or systems that aren’t compliant with current fire safety regulations.

The impact of false alarms

Every time a fire crew is called out to a false alarm, it takes away valuable resources that may be urgently needed elsewhere. The impact of these incidents extends further than people might realise:

• Strain on resources: Firefighters and emergency vehicles are diverted from real emergencies, where every second counts.
• Business disruption: Evacuations caused by false alarms can bring operations to a standstill, affecting productivity and service delivery.
• Safety risks: Emergency vehicles responding at speed to unnecessary callouts create avoidable risks on the road.
• Cost to the community: Each false alarm carries a cost in time, equipment, and operational resources that could be better used elsewhere.

How you can help

Everyone has a role to play in preventing false alarms and helping to keep our community safe. AF&RS recommends the following steps:

• Regularly maintain and test your fire alarm system
• Ensure your system complies with current fire safety standards
• Train staff and building occupants on fire safety procedures
• Promptly address any faults or issues with alarm systems

We’re here to support you

Avon Fire & Rescue Service is committed to helping local residents and businesses improve fire safety. Whether you’re looking for advice, training, or support in reducing false alarms, we’re here to help.

For more information and guidance