Fire Safety
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Fire Action Planner
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Smoke Alarms
A smoke alarm can cost as little as '6 - isn't your family worth that?
This page tells you how and where to fit your alarm, as well as how to keep it in good working order.
- How Many Smoke Alarms Does My Home Need?
- Buying a Smoke Alarm
- Where Should I Fit Smoke Alarms?
- How Do I Stop Annoying False Alarms?
- What Tools and Other Bits Will I Need?
- Looking After Your Smoke Alarm
- Special Needs
- Further Information
How Many Smoke Alarms Does My Home Need?
If your home is on one level - a flat or bungalow - you need to fit at least one smoke alarm. If your home has more than one level, you'll need one on each floor. If you have multiple alarms, they should be interlinked.
Get a friend to press the test button while you listen in each room with the door closed. If you can't hear it, fit another alarm closer to that room.
For extra safety, fit smoke alarms in the bedrooms too.
Buying a Smoke Alarm
Smoke alarms are available from most DIY stores and ironmongers. Prices start at around '5 for basic models. Make sure a battery is included or buy a suitable one.
More expensive alarms (costing around '20) may include long-life batteries that will last as long as the alarm itself (all smoke alarms need to be replaced after 10 years). This could save you money on batteries in the long run.
Alarms with replaceable batteries need to have a new one fitted every year.
Where Should I Fit Smoke Alarms?
Fit an alarm within 7 metres (22 feet) of the living room door and 3 metres (9 feet) of a bedroom door. Test the alarm to make sure it can be heard clearly from every room in the house with the doors closed. If you can't hear it, move it or buy more alarms.
In homes with more than one level, fit alarms in the downstairs hallway and on every stair landing.
Where In a Room Should I Put the Smoke Alarm?
The best place for a smoke alarm is on the ceiling, 30cm (12 inches) away from any walls, lights, doors and heating or air-conditioning vents.
How Do I Stop Annoying False Alarms?
Try not to fit smoke alarms close to the kitchen door - steam and cooking fumes are the most common cause of false alarms.
Some smoke alarms are specially designed for use in areas close to kitchens while others have 'silence' buttons that will stop the alarm sounding for a short period while the air clears.
There are other systems too - like heat detectors - that can be used in areas where there are sure to be lots of steam or other fumes.
Check the packaging for details before you buy.
What Tools and Other Bits Will I Need?
The alarm will come with screws and rawl plugs (the plastic sleeves needed when putting screws into plasterboard). You will need a screwdriver and possibly a drill. Read the instructions that come with the alarm for further information.
Alternatively, you can get a 10-year smoke alarm fitted in your home absolutely free when you book a community fire safety visit.
Looking After Your Smoke Alarm
- Once a week, test your smoke alarm by pressing the 'test' button. If it fails to sound, fit a new battery. If it still doesn't sound, buy a new alarm.
- Replace the battery once a year (unless you have a special 'long-life' alarm with a built in battery). Choose a date you'll remember easily to do this, like a birthday or anniversary.
- Replace the battery if the alarm bleeps from time to time.
- Keep it clean and dust free. Gently vacuum the inside and outside casing once a year. If you're decorating or doing something that creates a lot of dust, use an elastic band to secure a plastic bag over the casing - don't forget to take it off when you're done.
- Don't paint over it or put stickers on it. It won't work properly if you do.
- Never 'borrow' the battery and use it for anything else.
- Replace each smoke alarm every ten years. The material inside smoke alarms that makes them work becomes exhausted over time.
Additional Support Needs
There are special alarms for older people, and for people with disabilities and other special needs:
- mains powered smoke alarms that have back-up batteries
- vibrating pads and/or flashing lights that warn people with hearing impairments
Always fit a smoke alarm in the bedroom of a person who smokes in bed, or who uses an
electric blanket. And people who may need assistance in escaping in a fire must have some means of calling for help.
Systems include:
- a buzzer or intercom
- a telephone with an automatically dialled emergency number
- a private or local authority assistance alert scheme
Further Information
For further information and advice on home fire safety, contact your local community fire and rescue service.
You can also download our information leaflet on smoke alarms: