Unwanted fire alarms
Unwanted fire signals are problematic for a number of reasons.
- They redirect the resources of the Fire Service from life saving duties.
- They disrupt the operation of the building.
- They tend to reduce the effectiveness of the response to the fire alarm signal: "just another fire alarm".
- Dangerous situations may occur when people ignore the fire alarm thinking it's false.
- Costly.
- Lead to restrictions placed on the use of the building, i.e. cookers, toasters removed.
In order to reduce the incidence of unnecessary fire alarms, follow these simple steps:
- Close doors to kitchens when cooking. These areas are protected by heat detectors and will not respond to smoke. By opening the door, the smoke detector in the hall may actuate.
- Ensure kitchen fans are on and room is well ventilated.
- Do not smoke under fire detectors.
- Do not use hair spray, deodorant, beneath the detectors.
- Do not remove the detector. A fire signal may occur. In any case a faulty alarm will register on the fire pane.
- Steam from showers may set off the alarm.