Smoke alarms are devices that detect particles of smoke and sound a warning to their presence.  They give precious minutes to escape from a building in the event of a fire.  

Parents should be aware that studies have shown young children may sleep through the sound of a smoke alarm.  The possibility that a child does not hear the alarm should be incorporated into your fire escape plan.  Parents should hold a fire drill in the night to assess their childs response to the alarm.

There are two types of smoke alarm:

Ionising smoke alarms are the cheapest alarm, and cost around £5.  They are sensitive to small particles of smoke which are produced from flaming fires such as chip pan fires.  They will detect this type of fire, before the smoke gets too thick.  They are marginally less sensitive to slow burning fires such as upholstery.

Optical alarms are more expensive, and are more sensitive to large particles of smoke, which are produced from slow burning fires such as foam upholstery and PVC wiring.  Optical alarms are marginally less sensitive to flaming fires.

Your fire and rescue service will be happy to advise you on which is the best option for your home.

• Fit smoke alarms on every level of your home. 
• Smoke alarms are cheap and easy to install.
• They are available from DIY stores, electrical shops and most high street supermarkets.
• There are a variety of different models to choose from. Your local Fire and Rescue Service will be happy to give you advice on which one is best suited for you. 
• Look out for one of these symbols, which shows the alarm is approved and safe.

Test the batteries in your smoke alarm every week. Change them every year. Never remove them.

• Never disconnect or take the batteries out of your alarm if it goes off by mistake.
• Standard battery operated alarms are the cheapest option, but the batteries need to be replaced every year.
• A lot of people forget to check the batteries, so longer life batteries are better.
• An alarm with ten-year batteries is the best option. 
• Mains-powered alarms are powered by your home power supply. Generally they don’t need replaceable batteries, but need to be installed by a qualified electrician.
• Alarms that plug into a light socket use a rechargeable battery, which is charged when the light is on.
• You can even have linked alarms installed, so that when one alarm detects a fire they all go off together. This is useful if you live in a large house or over several levels.

Strobe light and vibrating-pad alarms are available for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Contact the Royal Institute for Deaf People Information Line on 0808 808 0123.

• Don’t put alarms in or near kitchens or bathrooms where smoke or steam can set them off by accident.
• The ideal position is on the ceiling, in the middle of a room, or on the hallway and landing, so you can hear the alarm throughout your home.
• If it is difficult for you to fit your alarm yourself contact your local Fire and Rescue Service for help. They’ll be happy to install it for you.
• Contact details can be found here for both Hereford and Worcester and Shropshire residents.

• Make checking your smoke alarm part of your regular household routine.
• Test it by pressing the button until the alarm sounds. If it doesn’t sound, you need to replace the battery.
• If your smoke alarm starts to beep on a regular basis, you need to replace the battery immediately.
• If it is a ten year alarm, you will need to replace the whole alarm every ten years.

Other equipment you could consider:

• Fire blankets are used to put out a fire or wrap a person whose clothes are on fire. They are best kept in the kitchen.
• Fire extinguishers shoot out a jet to help control a fire. They are quick and simple to use, but always read the instructions first.