Brigade encourages more alarms in homes

The magazine tested five smoke alarms in accordance with the British Standard. The article highlighted the safety risks of cheap imported alarms available online.

Assistant commissioner for fire safety at London Fire Brigade Dan Daly said, “Where you put your smoke alarm and how often you check it is an important part of ensuring you and your family are protected.

“Homes need multiple smoke alarms or you won’t be properly covered. Ideal spots for smoke alarms include rooms where you leave electrical equipment running like satellite boxes, computers or heaters; any room where you smoke, and anywhere you charge your mobile or laptop, except kitchens or bathrooms where heat alarms are more appropriate.

“As a minimum you should have smoke alarms on every floor - in the hallways and the rooms you use the most. It is vital that people regularly test their smoke alarms once a month. If you discover a fire in your home, make sure you alert everyone in your household and close any doors behind you as you make your way out. This will help to slow the spread of fire and smoke through the property.

“In choosing smoke alarms for your home, make sure that any alarms you buy are marked with a current British Standards or European (CE) safety mark, which shows they are approved and safe.

“If anyone is concerned then you should contact your local fire and rescue service and book a home fire safety visit. Firefighters can come to your home, give vital fire safety information and fit smoke alarms where needed.”