NFCC and BBC Morning Live emphasise smoke alarm safety

Smoke alarm safety advice from NFCC and BBC Morning Live

“We believe all homes should be protected by working smoke alarms.”

Jon Quinn, Chair of the NFCC’s Home Safety Committee

Last week, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) partnered with the BBC’s Morning Live to highlight the importance of having functional smoke alarms in homes.

As reported by the National Fire Chiefs Council, DIY expert Wayne Perrey demonstrated to presenters Gethin Jones and Helen Skelton how to check if a smoke alarm is outdated.

The segment is available on the Morning Live website.

Perrey advised that all smoke alarms, whether hard-wired or battery-operated, should be replaced after 10 years or by the date indicated on the alarm’s base.

He explained that the sensor in smoke alarms degrades over time, which may impair its ability to detect smoke effectively, even if the test button works.

Smoke alarm regulations and maintenance requirements

In the UK, building regulations mandate the installation of smoke alarms in new homes, but these regulations vary by country.

Homeowners must check and replace alarms that have surpassed their 10-year lifecycle.

The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations 2015, which apply to private rented homes, require landlords to replace smoke alarms as part of routine maintenance within the next 12 months, as these regulations approach their 10-year mark.

Further regulations introduced in England in 2022 extended the smoke alarm requirement to social rented accommodation.

Scotland and Wales have differing legislation, requiring interlinked alarms, while changes to regulations in Northern Ireland will come into effect later in 2024.

The NFCC welcomes these updates, aiming to ensure all homes in the UK are protected by smoke alarms.

Tenant and homeowner responsibilities

The NFCC advises tenants to ensure their landlords comply with the relevant laws in their country and to seek assistance from local fire and rescue services if necessary.

Regardless of the type of alarm or who installed it, all residents should test their smoke alarms monthly.

Tenants in rented homes are responsible for this task.

The NFCC recommends that batteries in battery-operated alarms be changed annually.

Additionally, smoke alarms should be purchased from reputable retailers, bearing the British Standards kite mark or the European Safety Mark.

Following the manufacturer’s instructions is crucial for optimal alarm performance.

Online home fire safety check tool

Jon Quinn, Chair of the NFCC’s Home Safety Committee, emphasised the importance of working smoke alarms: “We believe all homes should be protected by working smoke alarms.

“We urge people to check their alarms have not passed their 10-year expiry date and whether you are a homeowner or tenant you test them regularly, at least once a month.”

Quinn also encouraged completing an Online Home Fire Safety Check: “To reduce the risk of fire in the home we encourage people to complete an Online Home Fire Safety Check for yourself or your loved ones.

“It will provide simple steps and advice or even a visit from your local fire and rescue service to help keep you safe.”

The NFCC has collaborated with Fire Kills and Safelincs to develop this online tool, offering personalised fire safety advice and, if needed, arranging a home fire safety visit, which may include smoke alarm installation for homeowners.