Smoke Alarm, Fire advice and MORE

kingfisherblue

I'm not sure if this has been posted before, so apologies if it has.

My local fire brigade fit free smoke alarms for anybody - not just the elderly, or those on benefits. They have a non-replacable battery which lasts for up to ten years. This is so that batteries are not taken out for toys etc and not replaced.

I had some fitted about five years ago, but today one of the alarms started to beep, indicating low battery life. I rang the fire station (not 999!) and within half an hour, the fire brigade came out and replaced both alarms. Obviously, it isn't always this quick, but I was told that if they couldn't get out today it would be tomorrow at the latest.

This time, they also had a questionnaire on the computer. Questions included whether there is anybody over the age of 65 or under 5 in the household (there isn't). I do have a disabled child, though, so that has been listed with a few more details. If we ever have a fire, these details will be used to help the firemen.

I think it is an excellent service and I'm sure that others would benefit from having a smoke alarm fitted. Even if you have one yourself, an elderly relative or neighbour might need one.

For Merseyside, contact 0800 731 5958. For everywhere else, ring your local fire station to see if they offer a similar service.

Hope this helps someone.

MARTINS_DOLL

Many thanks kingfisherblue for bringing this very important safety information to peoples attention again...:beer:
I posted a thread about it here back in April 2009. I'll not request a merge though as I'm so pleased it has been brought to folks attention again.

The link is still valid in my OP, but I'll just give a few details (hope you don't mind!)

Quote:
"What is a home fire safety visit? We will visit you at home to offer advice on how to make your home safe and where appropriate fit a smoke alarm for free.
Who is eligible? We target our visits in areas and situations where we know there is a higher risk of fire, including the homes of older or disabled people, but anyone living in London can request a home fire safety visit.
Why request a visit? If you are concerned that your home may be at risk of fire or know someone who you think needs our help then please arrange a visit.
How long will it take to complete the form? No more than a couple of minutes
What do we do with your personal information? See our privacy statement./2"

I had 2 alarms fitted myself, and would reccomend to everyone to apply for this totally free service, and you will get a visit very quickly after initial contact is made.

The alarms work, and are guaranteed for 10 years, but if there are any problems during that time they will send someone round ASAP to rectify the fault.

If the battery fails withing the 10 year period, yet again they will send someone round very quickly to replace them totally free of charge!

HTH
xxx

wingobins

Some vital info there, thankyou for posting. I do have the elelctronic alarms fitted in my house as well as a carbon monoxide detector. Cost nothing compared to what your/family's life is worth.

BargainGalore

You cant put a price on life so a free safety check is always a must parycaurly as the nights are now drawing and the impending Autumn/Winter

sirmarcus

Great find.

The offer is shown on the fire services website at http://www.fireservice.co.uk/safety/safetyfaq.php#2. It states that the 'majority of homes' are covered to get free fire alarms.

I have just phoned my local fire brigade, who have confirmed that I am eligible. I am now waiting for them to come round to perform a Home Fire Risk Assessment and install the free alarms.

ScaredCrow

Wow. We didn't even call anyone up, and they just came to our house unexpected today and put a smoke alarm in.

Tim_Deegan

Due to budget cuts some fire services are now liniting smoke alarms to one per house instead of two. They are also trying to target those who are more vunerable. So as they don't cost much, then it is worth buying some and fitting them yourself. If you can't fit them, then most fire services will fit them for you, and still cary out a home safety check.

SneakyP_2

Tis true! Just call your local fire brigade and a small team turn up with step ladders and smoke alarms (quite good quality ones too!).
They actually put 2 in my flat as it's pretty large and all FOC!

m3jns_2

Not a lot of people use Carbon-Monoxide alarms, but only smoke alarms, Well Carbon Monoxide alarms are just an important safety device too. We have them at home & in our caravan. We were on holiday earlier in the year and the Carbon Monoxide alarm suddenly started sounding, We were not sure what was causing it to sound at first as no fires were on. Then on checking the battery, we found it overheating, and was very hot due to a fault in the charger regulator. The battery was almost at flashpoint (bursting into flames) when we disconnected the charger. The carbon monoxide alarm actually warned us about the battery before a fire starting, and all before the smoke alarm sounding. Because there was no smoke the smoke alarm did not detect a problem. If we did not have the alarm there would of been a fire, then acid from the battery would of splashed out causing severe burns. The extra cost of paying £12.99 actually saved a serious fire.

So don't just fit a smoke alarm, Fit a carbon monoxide alarm too. Both of these could one day actually save your life, just as the carbon monoxide alarm has saved ours.

Indigomoon_2

i'm not sure why a CO alarm will be activated by an overheated battery. Does it emit carbon monoxide?
Didn't know that, and if so, is it just one type of battery or all types?