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    working in partnership to make Dorset safer

Advice and Standards

The best and safest thing you can do is request a Home Safety Check from us.  This involves a member of DFRS staff visiting you at home and fitting or replacing smoke alarms if appropriate, giving advice on unattended cooking, electric blankets, chimneys, and much more.
 
When looking at smoke alarms there are a variety of models to choose from depending on your needs and budget. The following section lists the types of smoke alarm which are most commonly available. We are more than happy to give you advice on which smoke alarm is best for your circumstances.
 
Whichever model you choose, make sure it meets British Standard (BS) 5446 Part 1 and preferably carries the British Standard Kitemark or PCB 'Horseshoe' mark as well.

Types of Smoke Alarm

There are two main types of smoke alarms - ionisation alarms and optical alarms:
  • Ionisation alarms are the cheapest and the most readily available. They are very sensitive to flaming fires (ones that burn fiercely such as chip pan fires) and they will detect this type of fire before the smoke gets too thick.
  • Optical alarms are more expensive and more effective at detecting slow-burning fires such as smoldering foam-filled furniture and overheated wiring. Optical alarms are less likely to go off accidentally and so are best for ground-floor hallways and for homes on one level.

As both slow-burning and flaming fires are common, for the best protection you should install one of each. However, if you can't have both, it's still safer to have one smoke alarm than none at all.

Power supply for your Smoke Alarm
Standard Battery Alarms An ionisation battery alarm is the cheapest and most basic smoke alarm available. An optical battery alarm is a little more expensive. Both run off 9-volt batteries which need testing every week and replaced once a year or when it beeps regularly, whichever is sooner.
 
Alarms with 10-Year Batteries These are slightly more expensive but you save on the cost of replacing batteries. They are available as ionisation or optical alarms and are fitted with a long life lithium battery or a sealed power pack that lasts for 10 years.
 
 
Hush or Silence Button These models are available with a 'hush' button and when pressed silences the alarm for a short time. For example, this functionality may be used when cooking. If there is a real fire, giving off lots of smoke, the hush system is overridden and the warning alarm sounds. The alarm reminds you that it's been silenced by 'chirping' or by displaying a red light.
 
Mains-Powered Alarm These alarms are powered by the home's electricity supply and need to be installed by qualified electricians. There's no battery to check, although the model is available with or without battery back-up in case of a power cut.
Battery Alarm with Emergency Light If the alarm goes off the emergency light alerts people with hearing difficulties.
  

Interconnecting or Linked Alarms Some alarms connect to each other so when one senses smoke all the alarms sound. This makes sure everyone hears the alarm. These alarms are useful for people with hearing difficulties and also in larger homes.  

 
Mains-Powered Alarm with Strobed Light and Vibrating Pad These alarms are designed for people who are deaf or have hearing difficulties. If there's a fire, you'll be alerted instantly by the smoke alarm's flashing light or vibrating pad.
 
Mains-Powered Alarm which Plugs into a Light Socket This alarm uses a rechargeable battery which charges up when the light is switched on. It lasts for 10 years and can be silenced or tested by the light switch.

Making your choice

These different types of alarms can be found in different combinations in smoke alarms on the market. If you're not sure which one to buy, get an alarm that combines optical and ionisation detection and that has a 10-year battery or mains supply. You can get alarms like this for just £15. For further advice on choosing a smoke alarm for your home contact your local fire service.

Advice on Installing and Maintenance

Smoke alarms are easy to fit. You need a screwdriver, and that's about it.
 
How many?
The more you have the safer you'll be. At minimum you should have one on each floor - probably on the hall and landing ceilings.
But if you have only one smoke alarm and two floors, put it where you can hear it when you're asleep - in the ceiling at the top of the stairs leading to the bedrooms.
If you have a TV or other large electrical appliance in your bedroom, you should fit a smoke alarm there.
 
Where?
The best place is on the ceiling, near or at the middle of the room or hall. The alarm should be at least 30 cm (one foot)away from a wall or light.
 
Installing your Smoke Alarm
Installing a smoke alarm is easy to do and only takes a few minutes - just follow the manufacturer's instructions.
If it's difficult for you to fit a smoke alarm ask a family member of friend to help you or contact your local Fire and Rescue Service. Don't be tempted to have a go yourself if you feel unsteady or unsure - you could fall and injure yourself.
 
Looking after smoke alarms
Once a week test each alarm by pressing the test button till the alarm sounds.
Once a year change the battery (unless it's a ten-year alarm).
Twice a year open the case and gently vacuum the inside using the soft-brush attachment to remove dust from the sensors. If it doesn't open, vacuum through the holes.
After 10 years it's best to get a whole new alarm.
Set up a handy reminder to test your smoke alarms.