Alarms of fire alarm systems

The alarm of a fire alarm system going off does not always require a call to the emergency number and a visit from a rescue unit: you can turn a false alarm of a fire alarm system off yourself.

The Rescue Department is often called to check premises in case of a fire, even though the fire alarm system going off is not caused by a fire. Residents and even maintenance companies do not always know what to do when a fire alarm system goes off.

The Rescue Department has prepared information sheets for housing companies and real estate companies on what to do when a fire alarm goes off. The aim is to provide properties’ maintenance companies and residents with an easy operating model to follow when a fire alarm goes off. The model can also be used to support preparing for a situation like this in advance.

The alarm of a fire alarm system going off does not always require a call to the emergency number and a visit from a rescue unit; you can turn a false alarm of a fire alarm system off yourself. A fire alarm system does not automatically contact the Emergency Response Centre. 
In the event of a fire, always call the emergency number 112.

In brief, the instructions for what to do when your building’s fire alarm system goes off are as follows:

• Act as you would when a fire alarm in your home goes off.
• Find out which room the alarm is coming from.
• If you see smoke, a fire, or any other accident, call 112.
• If it is a case of a false alarm, call the pre-agreed maintenance company or acknowledge the alarm yourself according to the instructions.

If the housing company’s or real estate company’s instructions about fire alarm systems are deficient, you should go to Rescue Department’s website, download the information sheet there and place it on the noticeboard in the stairwell or some other prominent location. This will facilitate and speed up the operations of the Rescue Department when it arrives at the scene.