Community safety
Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Choosing, installing and maintaining your alarms.
Smoke alarms are the best and easiest way to alert you to the danger of fire, giving you and your family precious time to escape. They are cheap, easy to get hold of and easy to fit.
A carbon monoxide alarm should be fitted if you have an open fire, fuel burning stove or gas appliances.
The more alarms you have, the safer you’ll be. But as a minimum if you only have one of each, put them somewhere your family will be able to hear it when they’re asleep.
You are more than four times more likely to die in a fire at home if you do not have a working smoke alarm.
Step 1: Choose the right smoke alarm
Make sure your smoke alarm meets British Standard 5446, Part 1 (BS 5446-1) and ideally also carries the British Standard Kitemark.
There are two types of battery alarm available.
Type 1: Ionisation alarm
An ionisation alarm:
- is the cheapest and most readily available
- is sensitive to flaming fires that burn fiercely such as chip-pan fires
- will detect flaming fires before the smoke gets too thick
- runs on 9-volt batteries
- is available with a long-life lithium battery or a sealed power pack that lasts for 10 years
Type 2: Optical alarm
An optical alarm:
- is more expensive and more effective at detecting slow-burning fires, such as smouldering foam-filled furniture or overheated wiring
- is less likely to go off accidentally and so are best for ground floor hallways and for homes on one level
- runs on 9-volt batteries
- is available with a long-life lithium battery or a sealed power pack that lasts for 10 years
Things to consider when choosing an alarm
- if a resident is hard of hearing, choose one with an emergency light that comes on when the alarm is triggered
- some models are available with a 'hush' button which will silence the alarm for a short time. It will be overridden when there is significant smoke
- mains powered alarms need to be installed by qualified electricians but will also have a battery back up in the case of a power cut
- if you have a larger home, consider linking them so they all go off if one senses smoke
For guidance on the best alarm to choose or where to put it, call 08000 325999 or email: community.safety@oxfordshire.gov.uk.
Step 2: Fit your smoke alarm
Always fit your smoke alarm on the ceiling
Smoke rises and it is more likely to be triggered when you have time to escape.
Fit alarms on the ceiling, as near as possible to the centre of the room, hallway or landing. The alarm should be at least 30cm (12 inches) away from any wall or light.
Always put smoke alarms where you will be able to hear them throughout the home, particularly when you're asleep or when doors are closed.
- if you live on one level, fit the alarm in the hallway between the living and sleeping areas
- if your home has more than one level, fit one alarm at the bottom of the staircase and further alarms on each landing
Do not put a smoke alarm in a kitchen or bathroom, where you can't hear it when you're asleep or in a garage where it can be triggered by exhaust fumes.
Step 3: Test your smoke alarm
It is vitally important to test your smoke alarm regularly. You should also test the alarms of anyone you know who can't reach them. Every year, people die in fires when their alarms fail to work because of flat or missing batteries.
Need a reminder?
Safelincs has a free email or text reminder service for smoke alarm testing. It is free and can be cancelled at any time.
Smoke alarm checklist
Once a year - change the battery (unless it is a 10-year alarm).
Twice a year - open the case and gently vacuum the inside to remove dust from the sensor. If it doesn't open, vacuum through the holes.
After 10 years - it's best to replace your smoke alarm with a whole new unit.