This depends on the type of system you have. Mains-powered systems are supplied from the main wiring of the building and are usually connected on a single pair of wires for all areas of the home. Typically, they are wired in a complete loop returning to the panel. Hard-wired systems use cabling to transmit signals from devices to the system’s control panel. Whereas wireless fire alarm systems transmit their signals through a radio frequency.

At the end of the day, fire safety in homes is essential. During this Bonfire Night, when more people are using flames and fireworks, keep your home and family safe. You can use our helpful fire safety checklist below to ensure all is well in your home:

• Make sure you have fire alarms in your home, or install them and get them certified if you do not have them.
• Test your fire alarms to guarantee they work (at least once a month).
• Do NOT put the fire alarms in a bathroom or kitchen. The best place is on the ceiling in a hallway where you can still hear them while you sleep. Be sure to put an alarm on each level of your home.
• If your fire alarm is beeping, replace the batteries.
• When cooking, keep children out of the kitchen to avoid spilling hot items.
• Stay in the kitchen if you are cooking with fat and NEVER put water onto hot fat.
• Use plugs safely. Too many plugs in a single socket can cause a fire.
• Check for broken plugs or wires. If you are concerned about an item, unplug it and ask your local electrician to look at it.
• If you smoke cigarettes, be sure that you have fully extinguished the cigarette before leaving it.
• Put any candles on appropriate holders and keep them away from curtains and paper.
• Have a plan in place with your family on how to exit the premises if a fire starts.
• Do NOT try to put out a fire yourself. Call 999.
• If your clothes are on fire: stop, drop, and roll.
• If you cannot get out, call 999 and they will tell you what to do.
• If you are in a tall building and on a higher level, go down the stairs, if possible. Do NOT use the lift.
• Before bedtime close all inside doors, unplug things that use electricity that do not need to run overnight, check that the cooker is off, turn off heaters, and check that outside doors are clear.

Nothing is more vital than the safety of your home and loved ones. If you have any questions about fire safety in your home, please reach out to us. You can also sign up for our newsletter to get useful tips every month.