#TestItTuesday: Smoke Alarms, Fire Alarms, CO Alarms
14th Oct 2021
#TestItTuesday is a campaign to remind homeowners to test their smoke alarm, fire alarm or carbon monoxide alarm once a week.
Smoke and CO Alarms need very little maintenance and most now last for ten years. The one thing that all homeowners should do, is to regularly test all their alarms to make sure they’re working. A simple press of the test button on the alarm could potentially save lives.
Since today is Tuesday – why not make it #TestitTuesday and test your alarm today! If the smoke alarm works, it saves lives; but if it doesn’t work, lives may be in danger.
Here’s 10 tips from the London Fire Brigade:
- A single smoke alarm isn’t enough.
- Consider everyone’s needs – if there’s any reason there might be a delay in noticing or escaping from a fire, seek extra help.
- Make sure any alarms you buy are marked with a current British Standards or European (CE) safety mark, which shows they are approved and safe.
- Fit smoke alarms on a ceiling (or high up on a wall, if the instructions state it is suitable for wall mounting).
- Make sure you fit an appropriate alarm in every room where there’s a fire risk.
- Follow the instructions that come with the alarm when it comes to installation– they all work in different ways.
- Screw don’t glue – if you use glue, it can seep into the alarm, and stop it working.
- Fit your smoke alarms away from kitchens or bathrooms as steam can damage the alarm, or set it off by mistake.
- Fit a heat alarm in the kitchen.
- Choose smoke alarms with a 10 year or long-lasting sealed battery.