The Risk For Not Fitting Interlinked Smoke Alarms By February 2022 Explained
With the new Scottish Legislation for Fire and Smoke Alarms, all homes will have a higher level of protection by February 2022. This new standard will meet all of the requirements necessary to maintain safety standards for current and future occupiers, making the home feel safer and more secure.
This could be a long process to make sure that all homes in Scotland are compliant, with some families not making the deadline due to high demand and low stock of alarms. Let's find out what happens if you fail to comply with the new regulations by February 2022, and how to avoid this to happen.
Scottish Fire And Smoke Alarm Legislation In Brief
The new Scottish legislation requires that all homes, both private and social, are fitted with a Fire And Smoke Alarm System. The alarm system must be interlinked so that upon activation it will sound throughout the property. Disconnected alarms will not meet the requirements of this new legislation and could result in a penalty for those who do not comply. Click here to find our in-depth guide on what alarms your home requires.
How Do I Know If My Existing Alarms Are Interlinked?
To find out if your home is already compliant, you need to make sure all your smoke and heat alarms are interlinked together. There are two ways to do so:
Ask your electrician. If your alarms have been recently fitted by an electrician, they might have updated your fire alarm system already. It is advised to give them a call to make sure your home is compliant.
Test the alarms yourself. If you can't reach the electric company, or if you have fitted the alarms yourself, you can test the alarms by yourself. Simply trigger one of the alarms and if all the other detectors also go off, then your alarms are interlinked and your home is compliant. If the other alarms don't go off, then you are urged to comply as soon as possible.
In addition, your carbon monoxide detector must have a tamper-proof non-replaceable battery. According to the government guidelines, there is no need for the CO detector to be interlinked with the rest of the system. Please refer to the government website for full guidance on CO detectors.
When Should I Install A New Fire Alarm System?
The latest legislation means from 1st February 2022, all new dwellings in Scotland must have an interlinked fire and smoke alarm system installed. The new standard will improve protection for everyone living there and protect them against a potential fire.
Given the high demand and low stock of detectors, it is advised that you purchase a fire system way before the deadline. This way you can have a higher choice between different brands and models, and receive the alarms in time to have them installed before February next year.
If you are planning to get the fire alarms fitted by your local electrician, bear in mind that this is also the best moment to get the alarm systems upgraded to the new standards. Later in the year, local electricians will be busier and also more expensive as every homeowner will be rushing to get their alarms up to standard.
Where To purchase Your New Fire Alarm System?
If you are unsure of how many devices your home requires, and what areas should be covered, you can call your local electric company and request a custom quote. Otherwise, you can use some online services to find out your custom quote, within minutes and free of charge. Click here to find out your future cost for the alarms.
If you already know what detectors your home requires, the best option for you is to purchase a ready-to-go interlinked alarms bundle online: there are a lot of brands available with free delivery and installation guide included in the price. Some even offer special deals on interlinked systems, in case you purchase a full protection bundle that covers all the areas of your home. Before proceeding with the purchase, make sure that the alarms are interlinked and compliant with the new standards.
If you are looking to purchase your detector online, you should have a look at our offer for interlinked smoke alarms bundles. FireGuard+ offers a wide range of fire alarms with a solution that fits in any home. Check out ourinterlinked fire alarm bundles by clicking here.
Either you are willing to install the alarms yourself or call your local electric company, you should do it now to avoid low stocks. Also, if you still have a wired system, it is recommended to make sure the cables are in good condition. This way, you can avoid fire hazards and meet the new regulations at the same time. Read here on how you can save money on interlinked smoke and fire alarms.
What's Gonna Happen If You Don't Comply By The Deadline?
The Government expects up to 90% of Scottish homes to be compliant by the deadline in February 2022. Due to the reasons discussed before, some families will likely fail to comply by then.
Failing to meet the new standards could result in different issues and limitations for your property. The responsibility to upgrade the fire alarm system will rest with the property owner, but enforcement is up to local authorities.
Letting Your Property
If you are letting your property, it is still your responsibility to ensure your tenants are protected to the highest standards. Failing to do so, you might encounter issues in renting out your property or update the tenancy agreement as the updated versions include the voice "interlinked smoke and fire alarms". Even if it doesn't, it is still best practice to upgrade the fire alarms ahead of the deadline.
Insurance May Be Voided
If you own the property, you should get in touch with your insurance company as soon as possible if you have not upgraded the fire alarm system yet. You may void your insurance if the property is not compliant with the new standards, and the insurance company may refuse to pay in case of a home fire. Again, the best solution is to comply with the new standard today, to avoid issues tomorrow.
Act Today
Local Authorities may step in if you do not comply with the new standard, but they will most likely try to help the homeowner first by informing them about the new regulations. It is up to the local authority to decide whether it should get involved in enforcing what is a legal requirement or not and they will take into account different factors when making their decision. If you are not sure how to proceed with the installation of interlinked fire alarms, you should read our full guidance available on the blog.
Why English Homeowners Should Install Interlinked Smoke Alarms Too
The recent legislation in Scotland is likely to be followed by a similar law in England, as the current standards for fire protection are not enough to guarantee adequate safety for all dwellings. Not having an interlinked fire alarm system could represent a big difference in case of a fire.
If you are resident in England, it is highly advised to get in touch with your local electric company or look for the best deals for interlinked fire alarms online. Find out what areas you need to protect to provide full protection against fire hazards by clicking here.
Even if your tenancy agreement or current legislation do not require interlinked smoke alarms fitted in place, if you are letting your property it is still your responsibility to ensure your tenants are protected to the highest standards. Failing to do so, you might encounter issues in renting out your property or update the tenancy agreement as the updated versions include the voice "interlinked smoke and fire alarms". If you are renting the property, you should ensure that your landlord is providing maximum safety standards in your house.
The Benefits Of Having An Interconnected Smoke Alarm System
Most modern alarm systems are interconnected, which means the alarm system splits up the house into sections and would go off if any section detects smoke. This is an essential safeguard against house fires, as it allows for a faster response time to take place. It also prevents false alarms from happening- having different types of alarms across your house depending on the type of the room, you will likely have fewer false alarms happening in the kitchen. Discover the difference between smoke and heat alarms, and why yourkitchen alarm beep every time you cook.
Here are the key benefits of fitting an interlinked fire alarm system today:
Even if a fire starts at one end of the house because all the alarms are interconnected, they will all be activated at once
Disasters can happen anywhere in your home so this safeguards against that. It's also an important safety aspect for the elderly and individuals with disabilities or those who live alone
Having an interlinked system also allows for a faster response for you to discover potential fires and proactively react, especially if you live in a big property
Interlinked fire alarms can be expensive, especially if fitted by your local contractors. Here's how to save money on interlinked smoke alarms, even compared with traditional alarms
How To Save Money With Fitting Interlinked Fire Alarms
The new standard alarms are not that expensive, but they can be. The best way to save money on the new alarms is by buying them yourself and installing them in your house - it's much easier than you might think.
The newScottish Regulation allows homeowners to install their smoke alarms to save time and money, which is the reason why it's better to buy it yourself. It is possible to buy a full kit with all the panels and wires included for about £40 - £70 per detector, which is more convenient than having a contractor fit the alarms with a starting price of £100 just for the callout.
If you are unsure you can do it yourself, have a look at how easy it could be in our video guide here. You don't need to use any tools and it takes just a few minutes, as long as you follow the easy steps. Here's a cost comparison between installing the alarms yourself and using one of the local electric companies. Discover how you can save up to £500 per house.
Don't Wait To Get Compliant
If you are letting your property, it is still your responsibility to ensure that tenants have the highest standards of protection against fire hazards. This means ensuring that smoke alarms in particular are interconnected and installed at all points throughout the house. There's never been a better time or more affordable option than installing an interlinked alarm system yourself- these systems can be expensive if done by local electricians.
The good news? You don't need any tools for installation and only take a few minutes! If you're not sure whether or not you want to tackle this project on your own, please click here to get a custom quote for your interlinked fire alarm system, free of charge. If you already know what your home requires to meet the Scottish Smoke Alarm Standards, click here to explore our existing interlinked smoke alarm bundles.
What's The Best Way To Protect Yourself From Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
A carbon monoxide (CO) detector is a device that monitors the presence of CO in your home. It uses a sensor to measure CO levels and alerts you if it detects any.
This article will discuss the importance of having one installed in your home, as well as what symptoms to look out for so you know when you need to get help. Finally, we’ll explore some of the reasons why this could be important for your health.
What is carbon monoxide poisoning and how does it affect the body
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odourless, colourless gas that can cause a person to become sick or die. The carbon monoxide levels in homes are usually very low and not a risk, but high carbon monoxide levels from home sources, such as appliances, fireplaces or even tobacco smoke may pose some danger to your health. It’s important to know what carbon monoxide is and how you can protect yourself from it so that you can live safely with this invisible threat every day.
How Does Carbon Monoxide Affect Your Body?
Carbon monoxide exposure is extremely dangerous for human health. When carbon monoxide enters the bloodstream, a chemical reaction takes place that replaces the oxygen in your red blood cells with carbon monoxide (CO-Hb). The CO-Hb reacts with myoglobin - an iron-containing protein found in muscle tissue. Myoglobin gives muscle tissues their reddish colour. The carbon monoxide portion of CO-Hb bonds to the haemoglobin's normal position on the surface of sickled red blood cells, making them less deformable because they are more "slick". This may lead to microcirculatory disturbances with potentially fatal consequences. These include hypoxemia (insufficient oxygen in the body), tissue hypoxia, carbon monoxide retention and ventricular fibrillation.
Carbon Monoxide Also Affects Your Nervous System
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning causes interference with brain function that may cause disorientation, confusion, impaired judgment and other signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning may impair brain function because carbon monoxide attaches to haemoglobin in the blood, replacing oxygen molecules. The carbon monoxide then is carried through your bloodstream into your brain, where it replaces much-needed oxygen molecules that make your neurons work properly. Depending on how high the carbon monoxide levels are in your bloodstream, you may notice slurred speech or find yourself dizzy and confused. At higher carbon monoxide levels this lack of oxygen can cause a person to pass out or even die. How carbon monoxide affects our cardiovascular system: carbon monoxide effect on human body, carbon monoxide symptoms from inhalation
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning harms the heart and cardiovascular system.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause carbon monoxide to build up in your blood, which may lead to irregular heartbeat or even death! carbon monoxide is dangerous, at high levels carbon monoxide causes decreased oxygen travel from the lungs, through your bloodstream and into your cells. This can disrupt every organ in your body including the heart and brain.
In More Simple Words
This is a very complicated process to explain but carbon monoxide poisoning can change the way your blood cells move through an area of your body. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning makes people sick by changing how their cells make energy. The carbon monoxide attaches to red blood cells carrying oxygen throughout your body, making them "sick" as well... not able to deliver the much-needed oxygen properly.
The symptoms of CO poisoning
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning is a serious illness that should be taken seriously by everyone who may be exposed to this deadly gas - even at low levels. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include: Headaches Dizziness Nausea Vomiting Shortness of breath Chest pains Confusion Gastrointestinal problems Coma Death Carbon Monoxide Poisoning can kill you! Believe it or not, carbon monoxides effects on your body increase with each exposure.
If you find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea, vomiting
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Shortness of Breath
- Vertigo
- Blurred Vision
- Confusion and disorientation.
- Chest Pain
What to do in case you think you have been poisoned at home?
Time is of the essence when carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected. If carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected, leave the area immediately and call your local Emergency Medical Services(EMS) agency or fire department. Do not return to the building until you are advised it is safe to do so by authorities.
How Is CO Poisoning Treated?
The treatment of carbon monoxide poisoning is primarily focused on providing 100% oxygen to improve symptoms and prevent carbon monoxide from binding with haemoglobin. This can be accomplished by transporting the person to an area where adequate fresh air is available, followed by hospitalisation, artificial respiration, or hyperbaric oxygen therapy if carbon monoxide poisoning is severe.
There is no antidote for carbon monoxide; treatment consists of supportive care such as supplying oxygen and removing carbon monoxide sources. If you have been exposed to CO poisoning, seek medical advice now!
What can produce excess CO in your home?
One of the most common causes of carbon monoxide poisoning comes from gas stoves and heaters that are old, or poorly installed. These types of appliances typically produce a great deal more CO than new ones because the gas isn't burning at its fullest potential. Older cars in your garage could also be significant sources of carbon monoxide, depending on how they're running and what you have in your garage.
Here are the most common appliances that can produce an excess of CO in your home:
Gas Stoves
Old Heaters
Gas Boilers
Fireplaces
For this reason, each of these areas is advised to be covered by Carbon Monoxide detectors. If you suspect CO in your home, have some of the above appliances checked. If it's confirmed, take the necessary steps to eliminate the source of the CO immediately.
HOW TO AVOID EXPOSURE TO CARBON MONOX
What can be done to prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
CO detectors are inexpensive and compulsory
Install Working Carbon Monoxide Detectors at Home
Carbon Monoxide Detectors are the easiest and the least expensive way to get alerted at the first sight of gas leaks at home. Lack of detectors is one of the most common causes of carbon monoxide poisoning. Therefore, install carbon monoxide detectors in your home to ensure you and your family members will be alerted at the first sign of carbon monoxide leaks.
Where to buy it?
Carbon Monoxide Detectors can be purchased online or at your local hardware shop. The price range goes between £10 and £35 and they are fairly easy to install. If you shop online, you will likely find detailed instructions and a video guide on how to activate and fit your detector. If you go to the local hardware store, you may also ask for an installation service if you lack the technical expertise on how to install a CO detector yourself.
How to choose a carbon monoxide detector?
There are different carbon monoxide detectors on the market and choosing one should not be a difficult task. First of all, your carbon monoxide detector should have a digital display that allows you to know the exact level of CO in the air as well as how long it's been in there.
Second, you should check for a warranty as many manufacturers provide a long-term guarantee. This can be a great relief if an appliance breaks down for some reason in a few years, as you will not have to pay for it again.
Finally, the installation options and batteries. The most common detectors are battery powered, which makes them very easy to activate and fit anywhere in your home. However, batteries lifetime is between 6 months and 1 year only, needing you to regularly replace the batteries to make sure your detector is in operation. Failing to replace the batteries on time may put your life and the lives of your family members at risk.
Luckily, some battery-powered detectors come with a long-life lithium battery, lasting for over 5 years. This is extremely convenient, particularly if you live in a remote area or have difficulty accessing your home regularly, or if you are just tired of replacing batteries every few months.
CO Detectors in Scotland
Different countries have different rules, therefore it is advised to know your local laws before purchasing a carbon monoxide detector. For instance, in Scotland, it is compulsory to install at least one CO alarm in each area that has a carbon-fuelled appliance. In addition, the carbon monoxide detectors should be battery-powered and with a tamper-proof battery.
This makes the CO detectors last longer and makes it hard for kids and elderly people to access the batteries and accidentally tamper the device. If you are resident in Scotland, you should read this article regarding the new Scottish Regulations for carbon monoxide alarms. Failure to meet the requested standards might cause your insurance to be invalidated.
The best time to install one is when you're installing other detectors like smoke or fire alarms
The best time to install a carbon monoxide detector or any type of detector, for that matter is when you are installing other alarms. This is because it's easier to replace all the detectors at once and make sure they are all in operation and working condition. It's also easier to install them once and not to have to think about it anymore.
When is the last time you checked your detectors and made sure they are in working condition and meet the requirements of your country? Some people do not check their detectors for years, and they do not know whether the device is still in operation.
Apart from safety concerns, your old detectors might become an issue if they haven't been checked in a while. Many countries, including Scotland, are updating their fire alarm regulations. This means that old detectors that do not comply with the new requirements might make your insurance invalid. You will have to spend money on new detectors, and in case of a fire, it is possible you won't be covered by your insurance. If you are not sure about your country regulations, you might want to consult our full guide here.
Test Your CO Detector Before Installation
One of the most important steps to take when you buy a new CO detector is testing. The last thing you want is for your detector to break down in a few months or and then it won't work at all. Testing also will give you peace of mind that the detectors are working properly. You might want to test each alarm with a device before attaching it to the ceiling or wall, just to make sure they're working.
How to test your detector?
Depending on the type of alarm, different steps need to be taken to ensure you are giving yourself and your family the best protection possible. Some gas detection devices may come with a battery included, this means that you can immediately check whether everything is working properly. If not, you can test it before you install it.
When you get your new carbon monoxide detector, read the instructions first and find out what type of device you purchased. Some detectors which need to be wired in have a test button, others may require you to manually switch on the alarm. No matter how easy or difficult it is, with just a few minutes of your time, you'll ensure that the device is working and ready for use.
How Many Detectors Does Your Home Require?
You might think that installing one CO detector in your home, even if you don't have a multi-level property, is enough to protect you and your family from carbon monoxide poisoning. This is not the case, as multiple carbon monoxide detectors could be required, depending on your home.
Where you should install your CO detector depends on where there are carbon-fuelled appliances or cars around. These are the appliances and areas you should cover:
gas hobs
fireplace
boiler
indoors garage
Failing to install your detectors in the above areas will put your life at risk of carbon monoxide exposure.
Install Your Carbon Monoxide Detectors Before It's Too Late
Carbon monoxide detectors are a necessity in any home. The last thing you want is for your detector to break down and not work at all. You should install it before the need arises, or have one handy just in case of emergencies. Our guide has outlined how many CO detectors your home might require depending on where there are carbon-fuelled appliances around, and the risks your family is exposed to in case of CO poisoning.
So, what are you waiting for? Take action today and protect your home from carbon monoxide poisoning. You can explore our bundle kits that contain all the necessary fire and smoke alarms to protect your home.
Do you have a fire escape plan yet?
We've all delayed putting plans into action. Most of the time it's something small: you leave the dishes in the sink, waiting to be cleaned for the next day, you skip going to the gym justifying you'll go tomorrow. Another common one is to hold off a piece of work that, while simple to accomplish, it's just not your main priority right now. And so, all these things fester in the background. The dishes get dirty, you don't feel strong and the work you put off causes other people delays in their tasks. Why are we talking about these seemingly banal activities? Well, in the same vein very few people have actually sat down and put into place a fire escape plan for their home. The reason? It's not at the top of their priorities. However, like the consequences of not taking action with the aforementioned tasks, the result of continuing to avoid putting together an escape plan is even more severe.
Being in a fire is a scary situation, especially when it starts to escalate. It's easy to panic and freeze, making things worse as you have less time to react and get out of there and get your family to safety. When you have a fire escape plan, it means that you do not need to pause and think about what to do next. You simply become aware of the situation and react accordingly, saving you precious time. Of course, some fires you'll be able to put out yourself, but when things get out of control it's essential that you have a fire escape plan in place.
The logic behind why the Scottish government wants your fire alarms to be interlinked
Such a sweeping governmental policy is bound to ruffle some feathers and it certainly achieved that. The new Scottish legislation that's becoming law in early 2022 will require hundreds of thousands of households to update their home smoke, heat and carbon monoxide detectors. For some, it will be an unexpected cost that could have gone somewhere else. And the government, aware of the financial struggles that people have been facing following the struggles of the 2020/21 pandemic proceeded with it anyway. If you're curious about why then this article is for you.
Why was the legislation put forward?
After the Grenfell tower burnt down in June 2017 as a result of a fridge-freezer fire, the Scottish government made a point of researching and finding out a solution to help protect people in Scotland from the same risks.
What does new legislation say?
Smoke and heat alarms need to be interlinked together
Logic: If one of your alarms detect signs of a fire in your home, but you are in another room then you may still not be able to hear it. With interlinked smoke and heat alarms that go off together, then you will be more likely to hear and respond to the threat of fire and be able to evacuate your home in time. This is particularly important for people who live in apartment complexes as fires can easily spread between levels such as with the Grenfell tower.
You need one interlinked smoke alarm in your living room
Logic: You are more likely to have a fire in a room that you use often since there will be an increased number of electrical devices present and present and possibly flammables like candles.
You need one interlinked smoke alarm on each circulation space on each storey
Logic: If a fire starts on one storey then the layout of your hallway may prevent the smoke from reaching your alarm quickly and therefore it will be delayed in going off. Having a smoke alarm on each storey of your home allows the alarms to trigger more quickly, buying you more time to react to fire.
You need one interlinked heat alarm in your kitchen
Logic: Even the best chefs cause a little bit of smoke when they are cooking. If you installed a smoke alarm in your kitchen then it will trigger a false alarm whenever it detects smoke. Heat alarms work to detect fire instead when there is a rise in temperature, another indication that a fire may be present. This way, you can cook food in peace.
You need to install a carbon monoxide detector in any room where there is a carbon-fuelled appliance
Logic: Carbon monoxide fumes are silent and deadly. They can come from any carbon-fuelled appliance and so it's important that you take precautions and are alerted if there is any risk of this gas escaping.
Carbon Monoxide detectors do not need to be linked
Logic: Although carbon monoxide gas is dangerous and if found to be in your home, you should take action immediately by calling a heating engineer, since it is not a sign of fire it should be treated as a separate source of danger.
Nest Fire System and Scottish Legislation, Why You Should Avoid it
Smoke alarms are mandatory in all private premises in Scotland and the rest of the UK, and modern technology developments are bringing to the market new smart smoke alarm systems such as Google Nest Protect fire detector. However, due to recent Fire Alarm Legislation update, these detectors might not be compliant with the law. If you are resident in the UK, you might want to think twice before upgrading your fire alarm system. Read this article to find out why Nest Fire Alarm system is not compliant for your home.
What Is The Nest Protect Smoke Alarm?
Nest Protect is the smoke alarm developed by Google to bring into your home an innovative 100% wireless and interconnected smoke alarm system. The Nest Protect alarms detect smoke, CO and other environmental threats in every room, plus it speaks to you so you never have to wonder if your family is safe.
Key Benefits of Nest Alarms
Nest Protect Smoke Alarm is a fully connected alarm system that alerts you in the event of a fire or other dangers. The system includes an app that allows users to turn off the alarm from anywhere they are and even talk through the mic on the device over VOIP. The Nest Protect also works with Nest Cam, Google’s famous surveillance camera, which can check your home for movement and detect any disturbances that might be happening outside when you're away.
Another great feature of this smoke detector is the Home/Away Assist, which automatically turns down the ringer when everybody is home to help you save on the electricity bill. The device also has a streamlined shape which offers it a professional and modern look.
The starting price is £59.99 for one Nest Protect smoke alarm unit. Here are some of the main features:
Wireless interconnected smoke alarm system
Detects smoke, CO and other environmental threats in every room
Includes an app that allows users to turn off alarm from anywhere they are and speak through mic
Compatible with Nest Cam, Google’s famous surveillance camera
It is clear how the Nest Smoke Alarm can be more efficient than a regular smoke alarm, but what you might not know is that Nest alarms do not meet some of the upcoming Legislation requirements for Fire and Smoke Alarms if you are resident in the UK.
Fire Alarm Legislation in the UK
Upcoming Legislation in Scotland
If you are resident in Scotland, you should be aware of the upcoming changes to the fire and smoke alarm regulations. Under the new rules, it will be against the law to reside in a home without an interlinked fire alarm system. This means that 95% of current homes will need to be upgraded with new fire and smoke alarms.
The new Scottish Legislation requires every home to install interlinked smoke and heat alarms, alongside with adequate carbon monoxide detectors. The interlinked fire alarms can be either hard-wired or wireless, depending on your preference.
If you are resident in the above areas, there is no upcoming legislation for fire and smoke alarms in your country at the moment. However, given the Scottish Legislation happening after a fire blaze in London, it is likely that regulations on smoke alarms might be updated in other countries too.
Upgrading fire alarms to new standards is not only necessary to meet the law requirements, but mainly to guarantee minimum safety standards to all tenants and homeowners, and prevent tragic events to happen in your home. If you do not reside in Scotland, you should still upgrade your fire alarms to the safest requirements as described in our guide.
Why Nest Smoke Detector is not compliant with New Regulations?
Despite the fact that Nest Protect has a very modern design and is advertised as "the smartest safety device you'll ever have", it does not meet the requirements of some of the upcoming fire regulations in every country. For instance, the upcoming Scottish Fire Alarm Legislation clearly states on the government website
Please note: the Nest Protect System will not meet the standard. This is because they do not meet the requirements for a heat alarm under the relevant British Standard. British Standard (BS 5839-6:2019) makes it clear that only heat alarms should be installed in kitchens.
What are the main reasons why Nest Smoke Alarms do no meet the requirements?
Nest Fire Alarms Are Wi-Fi Interlinked
Google Nest Protect system can be wirelessly interlinked to create a safe circuit around your home, by fitting different Nest Smoke alarms units in different areas. However, this does not comply with the Scottish Legislation 2022 as the wireless fire alarms should connect through an internal circuit of radio-frequencies, while Nest Smoke Alarms use the Wi-Fi of your home.
In case there is a blaze in your home which starts from your router, the Nest Smoke Alarms would not be able to communicate the danger as the Wi-Fi communication could be faulty.
Nest Fire Alarms Do Not Have Tamper-proof batteries
Google Nest Protect is a battery powered smoke alarm which makes its installation easy as does not require any additional wiring across your home, allowing you to save money on installation fees.
However, the alarm is powered by AAA batteries, which are easily accessible and can be changed as soon as the alarm runs out of power. This does not meet the Scottish Legislation requirements, as the battery should be tamper-proof and guarantee 10-years of power with no additional charges.
If your existing smoke alarms do not have tamper-proof batteries, you should change them as your children could accidentally turn them on and off, without knowing the consequences, leaving your home off guard.
Nest Fire Alarms Do Not Detect Heat
Different areas of your house require different fire alarms, to detect smoke, heat or carbon monoxide. If you are unsure which detectors your home requires, you might want to check out our guide. Unfortunately, Google Nest Protect 2nd Generation only detects smoke and carbon monoxide within one single unit.
According to the Scottish Fire Alarm Legislation 2022, the Nest Detector does not meet the requirements, and cannot be interconnected to an external alarm to detect sources of heat in areas such as kitchen and indoors garage. Here's why you should install a heat alarm in the kitchen.
Nest Fire Alarms Detect Smoke When It's Not Required
As previously mentioned, the Nest Fire Alarm only detect smoke and carbon monoxide, which is a great combination for areas such as bedrooms or living rooms, but does not work for the kitchen.
While you could be thinking of using the Nest Detector in the kitchen as a smart carbon monoxide detector, this is also against the safety requirements, as the Nest Alarms would detect source of smoke, and often trigger false alarms.
What Fire Alarms Should You Purchase?
People think that installing fire alarms is difficult and expensive. This might be true, since local electricians often charge around £100 per hour for their services, not including additional costs such as materials and the fire alarm units themselves.
If you are looking for battery powered smoke and heat alarms, which are similar to Google Nest, easy to install and compliant with most recent regulations, you should install interlinked fire and smoke alarms.
Interlinked and Battery Powered Fire Alarms
Interlinked fire alarms are the best way to get compliant with the latest legislation requirements of your country, and to keep your family members safe under your roof. Interlinked fire alarms can be battery powered, which makes them easy to install as there is no extra wiring required in your home.
While replacing a battery in a smoke alarm can be really annoying, this is also important because you don't want your house to catch on fire. But don't worry, some of the interlinked smoke alarms have 10-year batteries, which you don't need to change. If you don't want to break your bank and fit some good quality fire alarms, which are compliant with UK regulations, you should check our selection of interlinked fire and smoke alarms here.
The Difference Between Nest Smoke Alarms and Interlinked Smoke Alarms
Fire is a danger to any household, all the more so if you do not have fire alarms installed throughout your property. This is why it's important to choose the right alarms for your needs. So what is the difference between Nest Smoke Alarms and other Interlinked Fire Alarms?
Nest Fire Alarms are battery powered smoke alarms with carbon monoxide sensors, which make them easy to install in your home, as they do not require wiring. They do not serve their purpose in areas other than bedrooms and living rooms, such as the kitchen, as they will detect source of smoke instead of the heat (which is against safety regulations).
On the other hand, Interlinked Smoke Alarms are compliant with the latest legislation requirements of your country's fire alarm systems, so you can stay safe at home. Interlinked Fire Alarms are also easy to install - no additional wiring required in your home as they come with batteries included. You also don't need to change the batteries for up to 10 years.
Where To Buy Interlinked Smoke Alarms?
While it may seems handy to have Nest Fire Alarms to detect both smoke and carbon monoxide within the same unit, this might go against the regulations in your country, and potentially void your home insurance policy in case of fire.
For this reason, we recommend you to install separate interlinked fire detectors across your home, and pay attention to their specification to make sure they are compliant with the laws. If you are looking for interlinked fire alarms that won't break your bank and give you maximum protection in your house, check our bundles and choose the one that meets the requirements of your home.
The Most Common Fire Hazards At Home And How To Prevent Them
Fire can happen anywhere, anytime, and to anyone. That is why prevention is key to saving lives and property. Many people think that fire only happens in the wilderness or in places with no habitation. But in reality, home fires are most likely to occur. It's best to be familiar with some of the most common causes that result in fires. Here are some safety tips on how to prevent these safety hazards in your home.
Be Aware Of Candles And Flammable Liquids
Candles, curling irons and other flammable items should never be left unattended. If you are not in the room with them, make sure someone is there to watch them. If a fire does start from your candles or incense, try to put it out as soon as possible with water and baking soda, but if that doesn't work, get out as fast as possible and call the fire department.
Be sure to be careful about candles and any flammable liquids that are in your home, as they are some of the most common causes of fires. It's important for people to make sure that candles, hair styling tools, and other items aren't left unattended when they're not around because if they do start a fire, it could be difficult to put them out. The best way to put out a fire is by using baking soda and water but if those things don't work, it's best to get out of the house as quickly as possible and call the fire department as soon as possible.
In addition, flammable liquids such as lighter fluid and oil should never be stored in plastic containers (they are flammable). Keep flammable liquids away from open flames or sources of heat. Make sure that you don't store flammable liquids near the stove or furnace. If you have been using any of these things, think about storing them in a safer place until there is no longer a risk of fire. When not around, it's best to keep the containers closed and put them away where they can't be easily opened by a pet or small child.
Don't Leave Cooking Unattended
There are many dangers that come with cooking, and one such danger is the risk of leaving the cooking unattended. If you leave your cooking unattended for too long, some of the most common things that could happen are that it might catch something on fire or the food inside could become overcooked. Overcooked food can be dangerous to consume, and even result in death in some cases. The best way to prevent this is to keep an eye on the food while its cooking, especially if it starts to smoke.
If you smell smoke coming from your cooker or oven then take some action; turn off the stove and open all doors and windows in order to let air in. If there is still a fire after this, get everyone out of the house as soon as possible and call 999. The fire department will be able to put out any fires in the kitchen once they've arrived at the scene. Be sure to have a phone with you at all times when there's food cooking somewhere else in the house so that you can make any emergency calls quickly.
In particular, when cooking with oil, it's important not to put too much in the pan - otherwise it could overflow and catch something on fire. It's also a good idea to make sure you don't leave oil unattended on the stove when heating it up - this might cause it to boil over and catch something on fire. If this happens clean up any spills right away - they're very flammable!
Another way to prevent this from happening is by being sure that you're not using an appliance that is potentially dangerous on your stove or in a hot/open flame. For example, curling irons and other items that require an open flame should not be used on a stove or near an open flame at all. Additionally, giving your appliances a clean and checking the cord for damage is another great way to prevent fires related to cooking.
Never Leave Electric Heaters Unattended
It's extremely important for you to be aware of the potential dangers that accompany electric heaters. These are not hard to operate, but they can be very dangerous if used incorrectly. Never leave an electric heater unattended. If you do, there's the risk that it could overheat and in some cases it could result in a fire.
Electric heaters work by using electricity to generate heat through a heating element. The heating element is typically located at the base of the device and heats up when powered on. This means that you should make sure that you don't use them in rooms where fumes, gas or other harmful things are present.
You should also not leave them on while you're sleeping and make sure that they aren't near any objects or flammable materials. If you have curtains nearby the heater then don't let it come in contact with them, otherwise they could catch fire. In addition to this, if the device starts to smoke it's best to turn off the switch straight away and open a window as well.
If you have children who can potentially hurt themselves by touching something that is hot or coming into contact with live wires/electrical wiring, make sure to keep them away from the heater at all times and unplug it when not in use - even when you're around!
You might not even realise that heaters are a fire hazard, but they can be. If you're not careful, an electric heater could easily start a fire in your home. To avoid an unnecessary fire risk, never leave the electric heaters unattended and follow the above tips!
Install Adequate Fire And Smoke Detectors In Your Home
It's important for fire and smoke alarms to be installed in your home. You should make sure to have more than one alarm so that they can cover more ground. They should also be placed in easy-to-reach areas. The alarms shouldn't be obstructed by any furniture or cord covers, and you should periodically check them to make sure that they're working correctly.
The common life-span of a smoke alarm is around 3 years on average, so it's important to replace any that are past their prime. Additionally, you need to make sure that batteries are replaced before they run out of power. It can be very annoying taking care of the batteries all the time, but it is important to remember that a fire alarm can save your life when a fire is about to start.
If you're tired of changing the battery on your smoke alarm, then you might want to consider purchasing a 10-year battery powered smoke alarm. These will save you time and money for years, as they last 10 years before they get a replacement. Check your best options for interlinked smoke alarmsnow.
Which Fire Detectors Should You Install In Your Home?
Different areas of your home require different alarms, particularly those which are more likely to house fires. For example, the most common areas of your home should have adequate fire alarms fitted. While living rooms and bedrooms require smoke alarms, your kitchen requires a heat alarm alongside with carbon monoxide detectors.
If you are familiar with smoke alarms, heat alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, but not sure in which areas these should be fitted, read our full guide on where to install your fire detectors. Installing fire and smoke alarms is easier and cheaper than ever, discover how!
Keep Children Away From Dangerous Sources Of Fire
Keeping children away from any source of fire is an important task to undertake because it could result in a disaster. It's very easy for a child to get injured by touching something that's hot or coming into contact with live wires/electrical wiring. To avoid this, you should make sure that you unplug the device when not in use and keep children away from it as well. If you have an item that requires an open flame and a switch to turn it on/off, such as curling irons or hair straighteners, don't let your children use them.
If you're going to be cooking with oil, make sure to keep the pot away from places where your kids might reach it because oil has a very high temperature in comparison to the skin of a child which could result in their getting burned. You can also put something down underneath the oil so that if there's any spillage it won't end up all over your floor and potentially cause a fire.
Make sure that young children and properly trained and instructed on how to use the things that are in your home. If there is a young child who doesn't know how to use something properly, they might not be able to put out an accidental fire before it gets too big or destroy the thing completely.
Finally, instruct your children on how to behave in case of emergency if there is a fire nearby - call an adult or dial 999. If they are too young, make sure to have a phone number with them or near that should be dialled in case of emergency.
Be Prepared For Fires
It's hard to prepare for anything, but there are things that can be done to ensure that your home is as fire-safe as possible. From having the right kind of alarms in the right spots in your home to staying away from behaviours and items that have been known to cause fires, it's important that you plan ahead and organise a safety plan today.
"It doesn't happen that often, it never happened in this neighbourhood, it never happened to anyone of my friends, it will never happen in this house, ...". If you ever heard yourself saying these kind of things to yourself, then you might want to rethink this position. Here are some guidance on how to react to a home fire, in case this happens in your house.
Keep A Fire Extinguisher In The Kitchen
In the kitchen, one of the most common sources of fire is from cooking. If you leave oil or grease unattended, it could potentially catch fire and burn your house down. A basic fire extinguisher can be enough to put out a small grease fire - just aim the nozzle at the base of the flames and turn it on.
You may have one in the garage, but fire extinguishers come in different sizes and depending on the size of your kitchen you might need a smaller version. There are some models that can be mounted to your wall or put under the sink which means less clutter and more safety.
A fire extinguisher is a relatively inexpensive and effective way to help protect your property against fire damage. Although they're not a guarantee against having a fire in your home, they can help you put out small fires quickly. Fire extinguishers are the easiest and most effective way to keep your house safe from fire damage before it happens, and should be an integral part of any property safety plan.
Test Your Fire Alarms On Regular Basis
Another important part of any fire safety plan is to regularly test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Fire hazards vary from place-to-place and it's possible that you might have more at home than the average person, so this should be done on a weekly basis. It's advisable to check all the different spots in your home for smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, as well as making sure that they're all working properly.
If you have a hard time remembering when to check your alarms, keep an alarm clock at your bedside or in the kitchen so that it's easy to see what time of the day it is and remember to go through on these regular checks.
A lot of people might say that they don't need a fire alarm system because their smoke alarms are on the ceiling, but this isn't enough - you should have these in every room for optimal safety. You can even add additional detectors around your home if you think it's necessary. Check out which fire detectors your home might require.
Always Have A Plan "B"
The most important thing is to never let yourself be trapped in a fire. Make sure the escape routes are clear of anything flammable and that there's nothing (like furniture or decorations) blocking them.
Always keep in mind where your emergency exits are, and make sure that everyone in the household knows them. Practice an escape plan regularly so that it becomes second nature - if there's a fire, you want everybody to be able to get out as quickly as possible.
Go against what many people think (don't go towards the flames) and get out of the house as quickly as possible. Once you're outside, make sure that everyone stays together to ensure nobody gets lost in the panic. Stay away from the fire so you don't put yourself or your family in additional danger - stay calm and alert and make sure that everybody is okay.
Having a plan gives you peace of mind - it will help you sleep better at night and ensures that you're not caught off guard in case something bad happens. A little time spent now can mean the difference between a house that only suffered minor fire damage and one that's been destroyed.
Prevention Is Key
It is no doubt that risk of fire can be a major contributor to the loss of property, so it's wise to prevent fires from starting in the first place. It will require some time and effort but you can start simple by checking your smoke alarms regularly and double-check that they're working correctly. You may also want to consider additional detectors around your home and having a fire extinguishing kit in place so that you can quickly put out any fires before they spread.
The best thing to do is to make a safety plan with the people who also live in the property - think of everything including emergency exits, places where smoke could gather and putting out small fires. So next time when you hear a fire alarm go off, don't panic - make sure your family is safe and that everyone is out of the house before you call the emergency services.
Remember, prevention is key - you want to do everything in your power to keep your family safe.
Home Safety Hazards That You Shouldn't Ignore
What Are The Most Dangerous Hazards For Your Family?
Home safety is a very important topic and should be taken into consideration. When we think of home safety, the first thing that comes to mind are fires. But there are many other ways you can stay safe at home, such as avoiding cooking with open flames or not leaving children unattended when using heaters. This article will help you to understand each of these possible home safety hazards in more detail so that you can prevent accidents from happening.
Falling Hazards at Home
Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death among older adults in the United Kingdom. Researchers estimate that falls account for more than one million emergency room visits each year and 25% of all hospital admissions.
The most common factor associated with severe falls is "tripping or slipping on an uneven or cluttered surface." Other commonly reported factors include unfamiliarity with a specific environment, impaired vision (e.g., poor lighting), and dizziness/loss of balance. Falls may be caused by environmental conditions (e.g., external elements) as well as individual characteristics (e.g., physical health, cognitive ability). For example, someone might trip and fall because the carpet isn't secured to the floor; or they might be unable to avoid a fall because of poor eyesight.
Whether you are the caregiver for an elderly loved one, a care-receiver yourself, or just someone who tends to have trouble with balance while walking around your home—there are several measures you can take to reduce your risk of falling and injuring yourself:
Maintain Effective Lighting
Bright lighting will help you see obstacles that could be hazardous if stepped on (e.g., loose toys under the coffee table, a pile of books next to the kitchen counter). Keep in mind that reflection from hard surfaces such as windows will decrease brightness, so make sure lamps are placed strategically about your living space.
Keep Surfaces Clean & Clear
Removing clutter will help you maintain a sense of balance and equilibrium as you walk around your home. Put away anything that might cause you to trip or slip (e.g., shoes left outside the door, small toys in the middle of the floor), and always wear socks with nonslip rubber soles.
Pack Away Loose Appliances
Secure large appliances (e.g., TV stand) to wall studs using appropriate fasteners. This will prevent them from falling if someone bumps into them while walking by; it could also save your life to have loose objects secured when there is an earthquake (see below).
Use Damp-Proofing Materials
Make sure any tile floors are set over concrete slabs with a sufficient depth of the damp-proof course. Damp-proof courses need to be at least 150mm thick, and the slab should ideally be laid on a deep bed of sand.
Avoid Stepping onto Sloping Surfaces
This includes inclines/ramps made from some composite decking materials. These tend to have slippery surfaces that may cause you to lose your balance or fall backwards. A safer bet is to use gravel paths, wet concrete, or gravel-filled pallets between stepping stones in garden beds.
Remove Loose Carpet Tacks When Vacuuming
If the carpet isn't secured at the edges (or doesn't have carpets), you may step on one of these tacks when walking through the room. Pay close attention when vacuuming because these tacks can hide in hard-to-reach areas and they are relatively small.
Do Not Use Elastic Straps to Fasten Loose Carpets
If you tend to trip over your carpet, it might be tempting to keep it from moving around by using an elastic cord or strap underneath. Don't do it! This could put some serious pressure on your ankle muscles, and you might even break a bone if you step in the wrong place.
How To Prevent Falls At Home
In conclusion, the most dangerous hazards in your home are unfamiliarity with a specific environment, impaired vision (e.g., poor lighting), and dizziness/loss of balance. Falls may be caused by environmental conditions (e.g., external elements) as well as individual characteristics (e.g., physical health, cognitive ability).
You can reduce your risk of falling and injuring yourself by maintaining effective lighting, keeping surfaces clean and clear, packing away loose appliances, using damp-proofing materials on tiles or wood flooring, avoiding stepping onto sloping surfaces, removing loose carpet tacks when vacuuming, and not using elastic keepers/straps to fasten carpets.
If you have just moved into a new home and you're worried about all the hazards that might be lurking in the shadows, the last thing you want is to trip over an electrical cord or fall down the stairs when walking up from your basement. Whatever your safety concerns may be, there are some steps you can take right away to improve your chances of avoiding injuries around your home.
Poisoning Hazards At Home
The second leading cause of fatalities is poisoning (e.g., accidental ingestion of contaminated food and beverage, cosmetics, etc.). There is a wide range of products used in the home that can cause poisoning if ingested by children or pets (oral/ingestion exposure).
The most dangerous domestic products include cleaning supplies, pesticides, herbicides, and other gardening chemicals; hair relaxers, dyes, and bleaches; skin medications such as ointments/lotions; household cleaners and disinfectants; toilet cleaners; oven cleaners; air fresheners; fabric softeners/dryer sheets. Let's see how to prevent hazards and keep your family safe.
Keep All Hazardous Substances Out Of The Reach Of Children And Pets
If you have children and pets in the house, make sure you keep all these products out of their reach. If you store cleaning supplies and other hazardous substances in the same place, keep everything neatly organized so that your child or pet won't be able to confuse them with food or water (children are particularly attracted by bright colours).
If you have an aquarium at home, fish tanks contain a wide variety of chemicals that could potentially poison children if ingested – take every precaution to prevent toddlers from playing with these devices.
Cookie jars should always be kept on high shelves because kids love sweets; even properly placed medication can be easily mistaken for candy; it's best to keep bathroom cabinets locked when not in use and clear them of any objects/products you don't need anymore.
Avoid Accidental Ingestion Of food And Beverage
It's always better to keep your food out of sight or use child-safe fasteners. Keep all medications in a safe place by locking them away when not in use; clean up countertops and floors to reduce the possibility that your toddler may eat something off the floor.
Make sure you don't refill household cleaning products like bleach, ammonia, or other harsh chemicals with water because this could produce toxic vapours; never mix cleaners as this can lead to dangerous reactions (mixing ammonia with chlorine bleach is an especially bad idea). Use personal protective equipment – gloves, goggles, etc. if handling hazardous substances like pesticides/herbicides; it's best to work with someone else so you can each keep an eye on your children and reduce potential risk.
Label All Hazardous And Toxic Containers
Label any hazardous or toxic substances and products with proper warnings to prevent accidental ingestion. Keep all potentially dangerous products away from children because there is nothing that can stop them once they go on a trip to the bathroom. Do not forget about your pets-animals have a real penchant for sweet things; if you don't want your pet to eat something, cover it properly.
Make sure you are fully aware of what's in every hazardous substance and product that you purchase at the store so you will know how to handle it safely; always read labels carefully before using any product. Follow manufacturers' directions/warnings for proper use and disposal of hazardous material.
Demonstrate Acceptable Behaviour When Using Hazardous Materials
Use gloves, goggles, etc. while handling or working with pesticides/herbicides (follow label warnings). When handling chemicals like ammonia, bleach, etc., keep the windows open and wear a mask, goggles, or glasses at all times.
If anyone in your household is planning on using some hazardous substance, make sure you are well-informed about how to handle it safely; always follow label directions/warnings for proper use and disposal of hazardous material. Don't forget about pets – they can become seriously ill from even small amounts of toxic substances. Enforce firmly rules forbidding children from playing with any cleaning/laundry supplies like cotton swabs, sponges, or pads soaked in chemicals because they could present serious.
Teach Your Children Not To Play With Objects They Do Not Know.
Children should be taught early on that these products are not toys and should never be played with; even ordinary household cleaning products can cause serious injury to children if they are not handled properly. Even though they are attractive, too much attention should never be given to poisonous plants in the garden as kids will always want to pick them and eat them. Your child needs to know that there are various precautions you need to take when it comes up against chemical substances – wear protective clothing/equipment, read all instructions carefully, follow safety guidelines, etc.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Hazards at Home
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless gas that can lead to death within minutes if inhaled. Common sources of CO poisoning are gas stoves and heaters, some portable generators, and cars running in garages attached to homes.
Fortunately, the most simple way to stay protected from carbon monoxide is to adopt carbon monoxide detectors in places where carbon fuelled appliances represent safety hazards for you and your family.
Make Sure Your Home Is Fitted With Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Carbon monoxide detectors are the best way to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Every home should have one carbon monoxide alarm in each area where carbon fuelled applianced are located.
For instance, gas stoves in the kitchen, fireplaces in the living room, gas boiler in the attic, can all lead to potential safety hazards of carbon monoxide leaks. For this reason, each of these areas must be fitted with functional fire alarms such as carbon monoxide detectors.
Of course, these devices are not foolproof as they only sound when there is too much carbon monoxide in the air around us, but not before that point, so you wouldn't hear them if a leak were small or occurred without warning.
If your detector sounds for any reason: get out of your home immediately; call 999 from a neighbours' phone even if it's only going off for a few seconds; once you are moved away from your home don't go back inside until officials have determined where the leak came from and what made it happen.
Never Heat A Home With An Oven or Gas Hobs
Avoid heating your home with oven and gas hobs to avoid CO poisoning; this is especially relevant to people who live in rented houses or flats as they are less likely to have fitted with gas detectors than owners of their own houses.
Even when gas ovens and hobs are fitted with automatic shut-off devices it's safer to heat your home using other methods of heating (e.g., electric heaters). If you are unsure whether your home is fitted with proper fire alarms, contact your landlord or check our article on what are the required fire alarms to keep you, your children, and your family safe in the United Kingdom.
Gas-powered Equipment Indoors
Gas-powered equipment must never be used indoors in the United Kingdom. This includes portable generators, gas-powered hedge trimmers, and lawnmowers – for this reason, it's highly recommended to use electric blowers rather than petrol-powered ones as the latter can get quite dangerous when operated inside a house.
It's worth mentioning that these devices are also prohibited from being used outdoors during windy weather conditions or if there is a danger of carbon monoxide leaking indoors (e.g. if you're going to do some cleaning around your home). Avoid using gas-powered products outdoors unless necessary.
Never Use Internal Doors or Windows For Ventilation
It is important that how you try to get fresh air into your house does not compromise its security; locked doors and windows, securely fastened vents etc. should be used as only a last resort. For example, if you want cooler/moist air from outside to come in through open windows; you could angle those windows properly (usually on opposite sides of an interior room) so that they allow air to come in without letting any intruders sneak through them too. If you don't know how to set up your windows in this way, call an interior designer or heating expert.
Is Your Home Fitted With Carbon Monoxide Alarms?
In today's world, it's difficult to know what the most dangerous hazards are in your home. But thankfully, there are carbon monoxide detectors that can help protect you and your family from potential safety risks. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas emitted by burning gasoline, natural gas, oil, propane, or wood.
It can leak out of some appliances like gas stoves and fireplaces. To help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in the house, make sure that your home is fitted with a functional carbon monoxide detector in each place where carbon fuelled appliances are located (i.e., kitchens where gas-powered stoves exist).
If it sounds for any reason: get out of your home immediately; call 999 from a neighbours' phone even if it's only going off for a few seconds; once you are moved away from your home don't go back inside until officials have determined where the leak came from and what made it happen. Not sure if your place meets home safety standards? Check out our guide on what is required to make your house a safe place.
Fire Hazards at Hone
One of the most common household hazards is represented by fire hazards. Fire can be both an imminent and serious danger, especially if you live with young children or elderly people in your house.
Every day we go about our days without considering its danger. It is a possibility that all of us have in our minds but don't want to think about. It's not just the house that can be ablaze, it can be anything from clothes to cars - and can happen at any moment. There are many ways you can prevent this from happening. Let's find how.
Install Fire Detectors and Smoke Alarms
The most important thing to do is to install appropriate fire detectors and smoke alarms to be alerted at the first sign of fire. It's important to make sure that you install them in areas where lots of activities take place; for example, in the kitchen, around the water heater and boilers, and in the living room. If you already have fire alarms installed, it is good practice to check them regularly, to make sure that they are in working condition. Click here to find out the difference between smoke and heat alarms and what you should use in your house.
Not sure what are the right detectors for your home? Take a look at our complete guide on fire and smoke alarms by clicking here. The fire alarms are relatively cheap and provide full protection to your home. Prevention is very important, act now!
Don't Leave Cooking And Heating Unattended.
This is a very common practice, especially when we come home after work and don't have time to cook. It's quite tempting to just leave the stove or electric heaters on and go do something else until it's time to turn off. However, this can be potentially lethal - so never forget that you are in charge of your fire hazards. Take the time to stop everything before you leave it.
Keep Children Away From Dangerous Sources of Fire
As we have already mentioned, fire is a danger, especially around young children. It's easy to forget that they are small and curious by nature, which might lead them to play with matches or candles.
A good habit is to make sure that you place all your household fire hazards in a safe box so that you can keep kids away from them. Keep matches, lighters, and cigarettes in a separate place where you can supervise your kids. Make sure that electric heaters are not accessible to children - they can be melted and used as toys for kids or just play with them while being unaware of its high temperature.
You should also ensure that all the other products such as liquids, paper, or fabrics are placed and sealed in a box that will be hard for your kids to open.
Learn How To Use a Fire Extinguisher
This might sound a bit extreme, but it is good to have one in case of a fire outbreak. This could save lots of lives and prevent the spread of the fire. However, you should know how to use extinguishers before they can come in handy when something is going on. If you feel confident enough about your safety knowledge, go ahead and get one. Otherwise, be sure to place your extinguishers in a safe place where you can easily spot them and grab them as soon as there is a danger of a fire outbreak.
Be aware that water is not always the best solution to deal with the fire - make sure you know what kind of chemicals are used on extinguisher types before you act.
Be sure to have a clear escape plan in case there is a fire outbreak. Everyone should know where to stand and what to do and where to go when there's the danger of a fire outbreak and they are aware of the situation. Make it clear that you will never stay inside a burning house if there are young children or elderly people involved.
Prevention Is Essential
The safety of your home and family is a top priority. The fire hazards described above should be taken seriously, as they can lead to devastating fires that will destroy all belongings or even loss of life. Every household needs to have an emergency plan at their disposal so that if anything happens, you'll know what to do with young children and where the safest exit routes are located.
Remember: prevention is key; make sure to take precautions while cooking or heating food by using proper protection like open flames extinguishers or electric heaters turned off when not needed. Lastly, never leave any child unattended around any potential fire hazard - whether it be candles on the dinner table or matches stored near flammable items.
Drowning Hazard At Home
Drowning isn't a risk for young children only when swimming or playing outdoors, but also with unattended buckets of water and when having a bath or shower. Around a third of all fatal home, accidents occur in places like the bathroom, kitchen, or basement - and over half of these happen when someone is left to their own devices for too long.
Approximately 300 children die from drowning-related incidents every year; most often these are children under five years old who have been left alone in the bath or by a pool. Here are some safety tips on how to avoid this and guarantee your young family members' safety.
Put Water Buckets Away
Buckets full of water are a common cause of accidental drowning: it has happened before those small children playing with them slipped and fell into the buckets, sliding underneath them to escape. So if you still have buckets around your home, never leave any child unattended near them and make sure they're always kept away from the place
Attend to Bathing Children
If you have young children, bathing can be a nightmare - as washing hair requires some concentration and is tiring for toddlers. But it's better to take the time to help them wash their head than to let them play on their own in the bathtub: if they slip under the water, no chance of keeping themselves afloat will save them.
Do not leave a child alone in the bathtub under any circumstances: if you show confidence in their swimming abilities, they'll be eager to prove themselves and will probably jump into the tub even without your supervision; this is why it's best for an adult to supervise children at all times when bathing - but be sure to never leave them unattended!
Choking
Every year, thousands of children die from food choking-related incidents: it's easy for a toddler to choke on a small toy or piece of food. Because they can't communicate their troubles, you need to be always watching and ready to help them should anything happen. Here are some tips for house safety you should follow to avoid choking hazards.
Inspect Toys Before Giving Them To Your Child
Small toys and decorations make great gifts for young children, but if they're too small they can easily become stuck in a toddler's mouth. Pay close attention to potential hazards like small buttons ornaments and little pieces of plastic which might fall off. If anything looks even remotely dangerous, don't buy it; or if you already have it in your home, don't let your child play with it.
Supervise Them When They're Eating
Not every child eats by themselves from the very beginning: some kids eat sitting on their parent's lap or standing up near them while being fed pieces of food one after another. Sometimes this can be hard to control, and a piece of food can become stuck in their mouth, representing a very high choking hazard. It's best not to let children who are being fed this way stand or walk: they might slip on some pieces of food and choke even more easily.
Sharp Object Around The House
Sharp objects are everywhere - and it's easy to forget them when you're cleaning the house. It only takes one second for a toddler to notice an object of interest and try to play with it: in these situations, don't take your eyes off of them. If the object is too small or sharp, remove it from the child's reach immediately. Here are some safety measures you must follow.
Clean Up Any Loose Objects Around The House
You must always keep your house tidy to prevent any accidents. A lot of people don't want to clean up where they live because it's tedious but there is a way around it.
Start by organising everything that needs cleaning; this includes having boxes for stuff that's too old or broken to ever use again. Put everything into the respective boxes and leave them out until they're all filled with items that need to be thrown away.
Spend one day every week on the task of throwing away what the boxes contain and putting them back in their place so you know where they are when you need them next. This will take some time at first, but it won't be such a hassle anymore once you've done this for a while.
Put Away Scissors And Knives
Scissors are a common household item. Many people use them to cut paper, fabric, or other materials for crafts and hobbies. A lot of these people don't know that scissors can also be dangerous to children if they're left out.
Scissors can hurt children in two different ways: one way is when the child tries to hold the scissors and cuts themselves on the blades, and the other way is when the child runs into someone with an open pair of scissors. This causes cuts on their face and head area which are very dangerous because they could cause severe bleeding.
Knives are also a common household item but they're much more dangerous than scissors: it only takes one slip and these knives could cause a fatal injury in a short amount of time. To prevent these kinds of injuries, put them in drawers where the children can't reach them or stow them away somewhere else when they're not being used.
Close Cabinet Lids
Cabinet lids are also a potential hazard: if your child opens one and sees some sharp objects inside, they might try to grab them and hurt themselves in the process. In these situations it's best not to let kids get into drawers unsupervised; even at this age, you should start teaching them not to touch things they can't see.
Electrical Hazards at Home
One of the most dangerous hazards in a household is an electrical hazard. This kind of hazard can be found in anything that can produce electricity and send it through wires or cables. They are usually found in machines such as ovens, refrigerators, TVs, and microwaves. Let's explore some of these common safety hazards.
Electrical Wiring in The House
Electrical wiring is probably the most dangerous electrical hazard in a household. Even though they are used to keep our houses running, this kind of wiring can be very dangerous and lead to accidents with no warning.
When these cables break or get cut, electricity can still travel through them. This means that if you touch an area where there's an electrical wire, you'll get a strong shock. To prevent these injuries, you should make sure that all of the electrical cables in your house are well insulated.
Another important thing to do is to inspect the wires once a month and make sure nothing's wrong with them. If you do this, then an accident will be less likely to occur because you'll have checked for damages before they could hurt you.
If you have any doubts about how safe the wires in your home are, contact a local electrician to see if they're in perfect working conditions. If not, you should have them replaced as soon as possible. Discover how to reduce excessive wiring at home using wireless interlinked smoke alarms.
Electrical Outlets And Extension Cords
Electrical outlets are an important part of the electrical system in our homes because they allow us to plug in things such as lamps, TVs, fans, and other electric appliances. There is a serious hazard associated with these though: children can get to them if they're not locked away, and once a child gets inside of one, it could cause serious injury.
The same goes for extension cords: if you leave these laying around the house then your children might think that they're toys. When they grab on to one and get shocked, this can be a dangerous situation where you'll have to figure out how to respond.
Appliances That Use Electricity
This kind of electrical appliance contains a heating element or a motor which is used to power some device. It's one of the most dangerous hazards in the household because it can cause injuries if you're not careful enough while using them. The electricity and heat they produce can burn you, or make your clothing catch fire when left unattended.
These kinds of appliances include ovens, hairdryers, curling irons, heaters, and other things that you can set a temperature level on. Since they are so dangerous it's best not to leave them unattended when in use.
Protecting Your Children From Electrical Hazards at Home
If you want to make your home safer for your children, then you should consider getting some safety devices that will prevent them from coming in contact with any kind of electrical potentials. One of the best ways to do this is by installing safety plugs, which are designed to keep small objects such as toys and hair out of an outlet.
You can also opt to get power outlets that shut off automatically when an object such as a knife or a fork gets stuck in them. Since these kinds of outlets can cost a pretty penny, they might be out of your budget; however, it is something to consider if you have little ones at home.
Preventing Fires With Circuit Breakers or Fuses
One of the main reasons that electrical fires occur is because something either burns out on an appliance, or there are too many appliances running at once. Fuses and circuit breakers can help prevent this from happening by cutting off the power to whatever outlet they're connected to whenever a problem occurs.
Circuit breakers are usually found in older homes, but now they're being installed in new houses as well. The main purpose of them is to reduce the number of fires that occur due to electrical problems.
Fuses are a little bit different from circuit breakers because they will only cut off the power when the circuit is overloaded by too many appliances running at once. They don't usually last forever, but they are cheaper than circuit breakers and can prevent fires from occurring.
Making Sure The Outlet Is In Working Order Before Plugging In Appliances
One of the main reasons electrical injuries occur is because people don't make sure an outlet is working properly before plugging in a new appliance. If you have problems with outlets in your home, it might be time to contact an electrician and have them inspected.
Ensure that if you're using a surge protector to plug in new appliances, the surge protector is plugged into a working outlet. If the one you are using isn't working properly then you should replace it before plugging any more appliances into it.
Final Advice
Every home is a place where people can relax and feel at ease. However, many hazards can make life difficult for a family or individual who lives in it. These hazards can even lead to death if they aren't dealt with perfectly. With this being said, everyone must be aware of these dangers and learn what to do to prevent them from occurring. If you don't know where to start from to protect your home, check out our range of fire and smoke alarms that will provide you a first essential layer of safety at home
Interlinked Smoke Alarms: Wireless vs Hard-wired Detectors
Interlinked smoke alarms are a great way to make sure your home is safe from fire. They provide you with more peace of mind because they let you know if there’s a problem in another area of the house, and give you time to get out.
This guide will explore the benefits and the differences of hard-wired and wireless fire detectors, and will show the best way to install them in your home. These types of alarms could be very expensive, so keep reading to discover which type of alarms best suits your property before you make your decision.
Interconnected Smoke Alarms - What's the connection?
Thanks to fire safety innovations, we now have the ability to install wireless interlinked smoke alarms. This is a great way for people who may be renting their property or don’t want to do any work in their home. But what are these types of alarms? What should you know before buying them?
Interlinked smoke detectors use radios and other technologies to detect fires while being connected throughout your home's system. They will alert you if a fire starts in another area, giving you time to evacuate the home. Once they sense an issue, all the alarms in your home go off together to facilitate the location of potential dangers in other areas. You can read our full article about what is an interlinked smoke alarm.
It is clear that having interlinked fire detectors provides a higher level of security and safety for homeowners. And while they might seem more expensive and difficult to install, there are ways to reduce the cost and save money on constant replacements and maintenance that the stand-alone units require.
The cost and ease of installation depend on the type of interlinked fire detector you want to fit in your home, whether hard-wired or wireless. You might be already familiar with these terms, but what does it mean?
Two Ways To Interlink Smoke Alarms: Hard-Wired vs Wireless
Hard-wired and wireless fire alarms have different benefits, but both are useful in providing you with peace of mind that your family is safe from fires. Before deciding on an interlinked smoke detector system for your home, it's important to understand the pros and cons of each option so you can make an informed decision about which one will work best for you.
First off, let's look at hard-wired detectors vs wireless ones because they are two very different types.
Interlinked Hard-Wired Smoke Alarms
In a hard-wired unit, all of the detectors are interconnected but have to be connected to the home's electrical system. This is similar to traditional fire alarms that plug directly into your wall and in turn, your home's electrical system.
A hard-wired interlinked alarm can run between £20 to £50 per device with an average of £400 installation fee. The benefit is that they are interconnected and can be programmed as a single unit, which means if one alarm goes off, they all do. However, if you have a big home, the installation fee might elevate the total cost of the whole system, alongside with the quantity of detectors you require.
Risks of having hard-wired alarms
While hard-wired smoke alarms could seem the best option, there are some risks that need to be considered first before fitting hard-wired detectors in your home. If you move and take the fire alarm with you, it may not be connected to your new home’s electrical system, so it won’t work. You would then have to replace it with a new hardwired alarm and have all of the devices connected again, which can be costly and time consuming.
Some brands come with a backup battery in case the fire starts within your electrical system. If this is the case, it will still go off and alert you of a fire. But having hardwired alarms that have backup batteries can be more expensive, and the maintenance must include both the wiring of the fire alarm system and the individual batteries.
Now, let's take a look at how interconnected wireless smoke detectors work.
Wireless interlinked smoke alarms
Interlinked wireless or radio-frequency linked smoke alarms work the same as the traditional ones, but without the hassle of hardwiring them. Once the detectors are interconnected and installed in your home, they will alert you if a fire starts in another area. The price range for wireless smoke alarms is slightly higher than hard-wired smoke alarms, and can go between £35 to £75 per unit.
On the other hand, since they are easier to fit, the installation fees are on average £200, which is cheaper than the mains-powered option. Still, if you have a big home, you might end up paying more for the wireless smoke alarms and installation.
So, how will these alarms benefit in short and long-term?
Risks Of Installing Wire-Free Smoke Alarms
While the Wireless interlinked smoke detectors seem to be more expensive than the hard-wired ones, there are several factors that should be considered.
First of all, installing wireless smoke alarms is much easier and quicker, therefore the fitting cost will be lower. Each alarm is equipped with radio frequency features which allow them to communicate together In addition, there is no need to re-decorate your walls and ceilings, as no extra wiring will be installed in your home. Discover how you can fit them yourself and save time and money.
When it comes to maintenance, wireless interlinked fire alarms require much less effort - there’s no need to change the batteries or have them checked over by an engineer. In most updated radio interlinked smoke detectors, the integrated battery will be sealed, tamper-proof and last for 10 years. In this way, you won't have to worry about changing the battery of your alarms for long time.
Finally, the wireless interlinked alarms are easy to relocate if you move home, where as hard-wired ones might not work correctly in a new electrical system.
Why Wireless Interlinked Smoke Alarms Are Better?
So, it's clear that a wireless interlinked system is better than a hard-wired one because it's easier to install and maintain, and they have a very wide range. They will also still go off if the fire starts inside your electrical system with a backup battery, which will unlikely happen with mains-powered alarms.
With the wireless alarms, you don't need to wire up anything extra in your home or replace a device if it depreciates in another location. In contrast, hard-wired devices require complex installation process and expensive equipment. If you ever decide to expand your fire alarm system, this will be clearly easier and cost-effective with battery powered units.
How to install wireless interconnected alarms in your home
Wireless interlinked smoke alarms are much more convenient than hardwired ones. There is no need to wire them up, and the installation cost is also much lower than wiring up a mains-powered fire alarm system or permanently installing hard-wired detectors.
If you decide to fit them yourself, you can follow our easy guide on how to do that within the premises of your home, and without calling any electrician. All you need to do is to turn the devices, pair them together and fit them to your ceiling. Click here to find our video instruction to facilitate the installation.
What other alarms are required?
Different areas of your home require different alarms, and smoke alarms alone are not enough to keep your home safe and avoid accidents to happen. For instance, your kitchen requires a heat alarm instead of a smoke alarm, and your attic requires a smoke alarm, while your bathroom doesn't require any. Read the below information to discover what areas should be covered and how many alarms are required.
Hallways and Landings
These are some of the most important areas where to fit smoke alarms as they allows people to escape quickly after a fire starts. The alarm will go off when smoke enters this area from another room in your property, and will allow you to prevent the fire from spreading, making this circulation space a safe zone.
Kitchen
Heat alarms detect excessive heat and not smoke particles, therefore are recommended to use in areas such as kitchen, where cooking fumes could trigger false alarms. If you also like to cook and your alarms goes always off, then you'd better take a look at our article at this link.
Alongside with heat protection, your kitchen should be also fitted with a carbon monoxide alarm (CO detector), which will warn you of the presence of this gas which is odourless and colourless, therefore extremely difficult to detect.
Carbon Monoxide Alarms are designed for detecting Carbon Monoxide and they It measures the levels of CO in parts per million (ppm) and alerts users by sound and/or indicator lights when it reaches dangerous levels.
Boiler room
If your gas boiler is located in a separate area, you should equip the room or the cupboard with an additional carbon monoxide alarm which will monitor the levels of CO gas. This is a requirement for every fuel burning appliance.
Living Room, Office Space, daily areas
Your daily areas where you spend most of your time should be protected with smoke alarms, in order for you to get notified of potential risks happening in your home as soon as they start. In case your living room has a fireplace, a carbon monoxide alarm should also be present in this area, to avoid intoxication from the excess of carbon monoxide that could be produced by the fuel burning appliance.
Bedrooms and Children's Room
In order to keep your children safe while they are sleeping, bedrooms should be fitted with smoke alarms as well. In addition, you as a parent can rest assured that the rooms in which your children sleep have sufficient protection all night long since the alarms will sound if there is a fire. Having an interlinked alarm system would get you alerted immediately if one of the rooms is at risk.
Attic
A smoke alarm should be installed in your attic as well, just like in every other room of your home. It will not only ensure your home is protected, but will also pinpoint the fire area if a fire occurs. Considering this is often the area where loads of electric wires run through, it's highly recommended to fit one smoke alarm in this area.
Indoors Garage
If you have an indoors garage, you need to fit a radio frequency interlinked heat alarm in the area. This will make sure that you are notified if a fire occurs anywhere within your home, and will sound the alarm in other areas of your property as well. At the same time, the heat alarm will only detect excessive heat, avoid the car fumes to trigger a smoke alarm.
Scottish Fire and Smoke Alarm Legislation 2022
If you are resident in Scotland, you should be aware that there are new regulations in place from February 2022 that will make some of the above practices a legal requirement.
Who has legal duty to install adequate fire alarms?
In Scotland, it's property owner's responsibility to fit and maintain an operational fire alarm system. Everyone living at a residential address must be covered by an effective alarm system which complies with current regulations. But if you're renting rather than owning your property, your landlord is required by law to make sure all appliances comply with regulations.
If you are renting and you have not done it so, speak to your landlord and make sure the new standard is met, at no additional cost from your side. If not, start looking for a new place to rent before the rules come into force.
Is Your Home Fully Protected Yet?
Fire alarms are one of the most important features in your home. Ensuring that you have adequate smoke alarms, heat alarms and CO alarms fitted in your property is essential to protect yourself from the dangers that may lurk inside your own house.
It is also important that these detectors are interlinked together through radio frequency signals and have an integrated sealed battery, as the best and cost-effective solution that will save you money on the short and long-term.
If your house does not meet the required standards above, and you would like to install an adequate interlinked system that meets the new standards, you should have a look at our current offer by clicking here.
Are you using your fire alarms correctly?
There are many different appliances in the home that people rely on to work correctly. One appliance is the kettle, which most of us can turn off and prove it's working with a flick of a switch and watch as the water boils before our eyes, but this isn't always true for fire alarms because they operate passively by waiting until there is an emergency. In this post, we're going to teach you how to tell if your fire alarm system is working correctly or not. It's important that you know these details because it could save your home and even your life!
Different Types Of Alarm
Before we go any further, it's important you understand that there are three different types of fire alarms you should be aware of: 1) smoke detectors 2) heat detectors and 3) carbon monoxide detectors. Each has its own job so in order for you to understand what's working and what's not, you need to know what they do.
Smoke Detectors
You may have heard the expression "there's no smoke without fire" and that is really the basis for using these devices. Smoke detectors are really the first line of defence to protect your home from the devastating impact of fire. When tiny particles in smoke trigger the device, an alarm will go off so you know to take action!
Heat Detectors
In some scenarios where smoke is unavoidable such as in the kitchen or your garage, having a smoke alarm fitted will trigger false alarms which can be very annoying. This is where a heat detector comes in handy. Instead of going off when particles are detected, these devices instead monitor rapid changes in temperature - another key sign that a fire could be imminent (or actually happening).
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Although these devices actually aren't related to the monitoring of fires, they are very closely related which is why we felt it was important to include them in this article. Carbon Monoxide is a poisonous gas that is both invisible and has no smell which makes it very difficult to detect by humans - unlike fire which is hot and smokey. Carbon Monoxide detectors trigger upon the detection of this gas and therefore, should be placed adjacent to any gas-burning appliance.
Make sure that you place the right alarm in the right location.
In Scotland, it will soon be mandatory to have smoke detectors in your living area and also your hallway. A heat detector must be placed in the kitchen. These devices must be linked together so that if one goes off, they all go off. Additionally, carbon monoxide detectors must be placed in any room where there is a gas appliance.
Alarm Placement
While you may get the room right, it's also important that you put the alarms in the right location in these rooms. Smoke detectors and heat detectors should be fitted on the ceiling in the centre of the room. Carbon Monoxide should be placed on the wall near your gas appliance.
Turning on the device
This may sound simple and we don't mean to patronise you, but many people buy fire alarms and fit them to the ceiling without turning them on. Although this may make them feel safe by seeing that the fire alarm is now living there, it's going to do no good if it's not switched on! Every brand has different methods of turning on their device so it's important to read the instructions as soon as they arrive.
Interlinking the alarms
It's one thing knowing that your alarms are turned on, but it's another entirely getting them to link up so that they go off at the same time. Again, each brand has different set-ups so ensure you read their instructions and test them out before attaching them anywhere.
Looking for a new fire alarm?
If you're in the market for a new fire alarm system, you're in the right place. At FireGuardPlus, we offer easy to install fire alarm bundles that are perfectly suited to comply with the new Scottish Legislation.
Prevent False Alarms: How To Stop Your Smoke Detector From Going Off While Cooking
There is nothing more satisfying than cooking a delicious meal for yourself and your friends. You've looked out your favourite recipe, prepared the ingredients just the way you like them and placed them carefully into the pan as they start to sizzle away. Perfect.
You briefly pop into the living room to check on your guests and say a quick "hello", but your head is barely in the door when you hear the sound of ringing penetrating your ears. It's the smoke alarm. Your friends are startled. You're embarrassed. And in your head, you imagine the dinner being ruined; needing to call in for pizza and the night being remembered as such.
You run through to the kitchen ready to tackle a wall of flames. Alas though, it's fine. Just a little bit of smoke from the pan. Nothing to worry about. You fetch the broomstick from the cupboard, give the smoke alarm a prod and it turns off. Crisis averted? Nope.
Within moments though, you hear that alarm go off once more. This time though, your friends now make their way into the kitchen to check if you're okay as they see you frantically grabbing the broom and turning it off again.
You re-assure them it's all okay and that you'll turn the smoke alarm off. You climb up onto a chair, pull it off the ceiling and take the batteries out and place it onto your kitchen worktop where it stays there until the next morning. It's at that point the next day that you're washing up from the next day that it catches your eye and you consider putting it up again, but with the amount of hassle it caused the previous night and the effort it would take at that very moment to install it again, the smoke alarm goes straight into the drawer of odds and ends.
Unfortunately, this story is all too familiar for millions of people around the UK. A recent survey by home insurance provider Direct Line found that one in three people have had their dinner ruined on account of a smoke alarm going off while they were cooking - and over half say it's happened more than once! And of course, the end result is that the alarm is taken down, rendering it useless and leaving homes unprotected from fire.
What if there was a way that you could cook in peace without your alarm going off at the first hint of smoke? What if the alarm only went off when there were real signs of danger? Well, there is.
It's called a heat detector and it works a little differently from smoke detectors in that it's designed to trigger an alarm upon a sudden rise in temperature, unlike smoke alarms which trigger when they come into contact with tiny smoke particles.
In most rooms of your house, smoke detectors are an excellent option to detect fires since they are sensitive to these particles and will trigger quickly. However, in your kitchen, where smoke occurs much more frequently, a smoke detector will often trigger even though there is no actual fire.
By installing a heat detector instead, you can rest assured that your kitchen will only trigger an alarm in the event of a dangerous temperature rise, which dramatically reduces the risk of false alarms due to steam or cooking flare-ups.
At FireGuardPlus, we offer fire alarm bundles that include both smoke and heat alarms so that you can cook away to your heart's content without false alarms.