Working smoke alarm can save you!
When a fire breaks out, fast action is vital. When a fire breaks out in a flat, temperatures as high as 300 to 400 degrees Celsius develop within four minutes and combustion gases fill the rooms, which means that your chances of survival are poor. A smoke alarm detects the combustion gases at low concentrations and makes a loud sound.
Give yourself a chance of survival. A working smoke alarm can save you.
According to rescue service accident statistics, in almost every other residential building fire, it has been observed that there was no functional smoke alarm in the apartment. Based on other studies, it can be estimated that about 20 percent of homes completely lack a smoke alarm. In family houses, the obligations for acquiring and maintaining smoke alarms are better fulfilled compared to flats and apartments.
Smoke alarms are compulsory in all homes, buildings in which people sleep and care institutions
You must also have a smoke alarms in all holiday houses as well as outbuildings and similar where people sleep. You should also have smoke alarms in boats with cabins, caravans and campervans. Note that in these conditions, the service life of the detectors and their batteries, in particular, is shorter than normal. Smoke alarms in flats built after 2009 are connected to the mains and have batteries for backup. This also applies to holiday houses which have electricity. Having carbon monoxide alarms and gas detectors is recommended if there is a fireplace or gas appliances in the building.
Test your smoke alarms once a month
Testing is an important step to ensure that your detector works properly and is ready to operate.
Where should I place the smoke alarm?
Smoke alarms should be placed
- In all bedrooms and other rooms used for sleeping.
- On escape routes, including the hall.
- In staircases and other areas with high ceilings.
Smoke and heat rise up, which is why the smoke alarm should be placed as high as possible on the ceiling, at least half a metre away from any walls and other obstacles. Always follow the installation instructions of the smoke alarms.
If your flat or house is large, it is recommended that you have interconnected smoke alarms. It means that if one smoke alarm is triggered, this will cause a general alarm across all the interconnected detectors. Do not install the alarm on a wall, in the kitchen, in the vicinity of air vents or in a bathroom. This may cause the alarm not to work, work incorrectly or become damaged.
One smoke alarm can cover at maximum 60 m2 on a single floor
- One (1) alarm is needed in a flat or house with a floor area of less than 60 square metres.
- Two (2) alarms in a flat or house with a floor area of less than 120 square metres.
- Three (3) alarms in a flat or house with a floor area of less than 180 square metres, etc.
In addition, each floor of the flat or house (including basements and attics) should have at least one working smoke alarms.
Smoke is even more dangerous than fire.
Two out of three fire-related deaths are caused by combustion gases.
When the smoke alarm goes off, act fast
The smoke alarms detects smoke and alerts you before you can sense or notice anything. Even a small fire fills the flat with smoke very quickly. A working smoke alarm which is in the right place will alert you and wake you up. You only have two to three minutes to escape, try to put out the fire and call 112 for help. When the alarm goes off, act fast!
If the smoke alarm goes off unnecessarily
Do not silence the smoke alarm by taking it down or taking the battery out. Air the area/room in which the alarm is located. If you repeatedly get unnecessary alerts, move the alarm to a better location. Smoke alarms with a pause button are also available.
Purchasing, installing, maintaining, testing and responsibility for smoke alarms
The obligation to purchase and maintain smoke alarms lies with the building owner. The resident is responsible for testing them and reporting any need for repairs. Fire Rescue Act Section 17, in Finnish.
Traditional Battery-Powered Smoke Alarms
Battery-powered smoke alarms are traditional alarms. In certain models, testing and maintenance can be made easier with a battery box mounted on the wall. It is worth considering such smoke alarms especially for elderly people. In addition, some battery boxes have a pause function for “false” alarms, allowing the smoke alarm to be turned off for about 10 minutes. After the pause, the smoke alarm automatically returns to alert mode.
Replace the battery in a traditional smoke alarm once a year, test the alarm, and replace the entire smoke alarm with a new one according to the product description or instructions.
Smoke Alarms Connected to the Electrical Network
Smoke alarms connected to the electrical network are installed during the construction phase and connected to the building’s electrical system. The placement of alarms is included in the building’s electrical design, and installation work must be carried out by a qualified electrician. A smoke alarm connected to the electrical network has a battery or accumulator backup in case of power outages.
Test the smoke alarm’s functionality by pressing the test button monthly.
It is recommended that the resident regularly tests the functionality of a smoke alarm connected to the electrical network. To prevent false alarms, the resident should check whether the smoke alarm has a so-called silencing function. Some manufacturers’ models allow the alarm to be silenced, for example, during cooking. Likewise, the sound warning of a low battery may be silenced, for example, during the night.
It is particularly important that residents have clear instructions on how to operate a device connected to the electrical network in different situations. Familiarize yourself with fire safety equipment and other safety practices related to living immediately after moving into the apartment.
Read more:
Ministry of the Interior Decree on the Placement and Maintenance of Smoke Alarms, in Finnish
Government Decree on the Technical Properties of Smoke Alarms, in Finnish
Smoke alarm requirements, placement and maintenance
Homes have too few working smoke alarms, in Finnish
Carbon monoxide alarms
