Important Information for Home Occupiers

In the event of a fire, it is important that you ensure that all occupants leave the premises as quickly as possible.

Experience has shown that children might not be woken by fire alarm tones. It is important that children are never left alone in a dwelling. Families should have a fire escape plan that is rehearsed, so that everyone knows how to escape if a fire occurs. The immediate priority when a fire occurs is to ensure that any sleeping children are woken from sleep and are immediately taken to a place of safety outside the property, along with all other occupants.

The fire and rescue service should be summoned regardless of the size of the fire and regardless of whether there is a facility for automatic transmission of fire alarm signals to the fire and rescue service.

False alarms place unnecessary strain on the fire and rescue service and can put lives at risk. If people experience multiple false alarms, they may ignore or delay responding when a real fire occurs.

Some of the most common causes include:

• Cooking fumes (e.g. toasting bread).
• Steam from bathrooms or showers.
• Tobacco smoke.
• Dust build-up.
• Insects inside detectors.
• Aerosol sprays (deodorants, air fresheners, cleaning products).
• Smoke from outside (e.g. bonfires, barbecues).
• Cooking methods that generate smoke or flames (e.g. flambéing).
• Incense or candles.
• High humidity or water ingress.
• Sudden temperature changes.
• Accidental damage to detectors.

During temporary works (e.g. sanding, painting, or using equipment that generates dust or fumes):

• Use brightly coloured temporary detector covers, or
• Temporarily disable the affected detectors.

Always reinstate the system immediately once the work is complete to ensure full protection.

In the event of a false alarm, reset the system fully in line with the guidance within the product manual. If false alarms continue or you require assistance, contract your installation contractor, or your landlord if in rented accommodation.

Daily Checks:

• Ensure there is clear space around and below each fire detector.
• Where manual call points are fitted, check that they remain unobstructed.

Monthly Checks:

• Test every alarm by pressing the test button.
• Confirm that all smoke and heat alarms are interlinked so that when one is activated, all alarms sound (“one alarm, all alarm”).
• Visually inspect devices for damage or other issues.
• Report any defects to a competent person.

Safety note: Never put yourself at risk when testing alarms. If a device is out of reach, ask for help or consider contacting a competent electrician for installing a low-level test switch for easier testing.

If the property has been unoccupied for a period of time, the normal and standby power supply to the fire alarm system may have failed.

When you return, check that the system is working properly and has not lost power.

If you make alterations to your home, such as:

• Extensions or structural changes,
• Changes to internal layout (e.g. new rooms), or
• A change in occupancy (e.g. from owner-occupied to rented),

your fire detection and alarm system may also need to be altered. This could involve:

• Adding more detectors,
• Changing detector types, or
• Installing additional equipment.

Always consult a competent electrician to ensure your system remains compliant.

Please remember:

Your fire detection and alarm system is there to save lives.

By carrying out regular checks, responding correctly to alarms, and taking steps to avoid false alarms, you will ensure that your system protects you and your family when you need it most.