Smoke alarms

Choosing your smoke alarm

• Fit smoke alarms on every level of your home.
• Smoke alarms are cheap and easy to install. 
• They are available from DIY stores, electrical shops and most high street supermarkets. 
• There are a variety of different models to choose from. Avon Fire & Rescue Service can provide you with advice on which one is best suited for you.

How to make sure your smoke alarm works

• Never disconnect or take the batteries out of your alarm if it goes off by mistake.
• Standard battery operated alarms are the cheapest option, but the batteries need to be replaced every year.
• A lot of people forget to check the batteries, so longer life batteries are better.
• An alarm with 10 year batteries is the best option.
• Mains-powered alarms are powered by your home power supply. Generally they don't need replaceable batteries, but need to be installed by a qualified electrician.
• Alarms that plug into a light socket use a rechargeable battery, which is charged when the light is on.
• You can have linked alarms installed, so that when one alarm detects a fire they all go off together. This is useful if you live in a large house or over several levels.

Fitting your smoke alarm

• Don't put alarms in or near kitchens or bathrooms where smoke or steam can set them off by accident.
• The ideal position is on the ceiling, in the middle of a room, or on the hallway and landing, so you can hear the alarm throughout your home.
• If it is difficult for you to fit your alarm yourself contact Avon Fire & Rescue Service for more advice.

Looking after your smoke alarm

• Make checking your smoke alarm part of your regular household routine.
• Test it by pressing the button until the alarm sounds. If it doesn't sound you need to replace the battery.
• If your smoke alarms starts to beep on a regular basis, you need to replace the battery immediately.
• If it is a 10 year alarm, you will need to replace the whole alarm every 10 years.