Most of us are well aware of the huge importance of installing smoke alarms in our properties, but according to recent surveys, a fifth of rental properties in the UK are not equipped with working smoke alarms.
Has your landlord fitted smoke alarms?
Over the last ten years we have seen a rise in the number of homes with working smoke alarms. However, the English Housing Survey’s most recent research, shows that this rise was not reflected in households rented from private landlords.
The government introduced new laws in October 2015 calling for all private landlords to ensure each floor of their rental properties are fitted with working smoke alarms. Failure to comply to this law will result in £5,000 fine. In spite of this, the fire service have voiced their fears that there are still a large number of landlords that are not fulfilling this commitment. This is undoubtedly putting tenants at risk!
Smoke Alarms Save Lives!
We know that smoke alarms save lives. The London Fire Brigade state that:
Six out of ten people who died in fires in last year had no smoke alarm fitted in their home, according to new figures released by London Fire Brigade. The statistics also show that over half of the people who were injured by fires in the home last year didn’t have this simple life saving device either.
http://www.london-fire.gov.uk/news/NewsReleases2010_PR1343.asp#.VwEhEKQrLIU
London Fire Brigade’s advice on smoke alarms
- Choose a smoke alarm that complies with the British Standard (BS EN 14604:2005) and carries the British Standard Kitemark or LPCB ‘Horseshoe’ mark.
- Always put smoke alarms where you will be able to hear them throughout the home, particularly when you are asleep or when doors are closed.
- If your home has only one level, fit the alarm between the living area and bedrooms. If your home has more than one level fit one alarm at the bottom of the staircase and further alarms on each landing.
- Fit smoke alarms on the ceiling, as near as possible to the centre of the room, hallway or landing. The smoke alarm should be at least 30cm (12 inches) away from any wall or light fitting.
- Make sure you can reach your smoke alarm easily to test it each week – avoid fitting it directly over a staircase.
- Follow the manufacturers’ instructions on how to fit your smoke alarm and change the battery.
- Test your smoke alarm every week and change the battery every year (unless it’s a ten year alarm).
Where not to fit your smoke alarm
- Don’t fit your smoke alarm in or near to the kitchen or bathroom as it could be set off accidentally by cooking fumes and steam.
- Don’t fit your smoke alarm in a garage where it could be set off accidentally by exhaust fumes.
- Don’t fit your smoke alarm on damp or dusty surfaces or false ceilings as there is a risk it will fall down.
There are special smoke alarms available for people who are hard of hearing, which set off a vibrating pad or flashing light.
Landlords and tenants, make sure your properties are safe from fire
There is no excuse for any property not to be fitted with working smoke alarms. Ultra-Vision can fit them in your home in a matter of minutes and they are very cheap to install. If you are a private landlord and need help to ensure you are complying with British law, please get in touch and we will be happy to help. If you are a tenant, get in touch with your landlord or letting agents to make sure your home is safe from fire.
http://ultra-vision.co.uk/contact/
http://Ultra-Vision.co.uk can fit your property with high standard smoke alarms, fire alarms and fire extinguishers.
Use these links to find out more…
http://ultra-vision.co.uk/fire-alarms/
http://ultra-vision.co.uk/fire-extinguishers/
