The recent fire in a tower block made me actually get off my arse and FIT a second one that I've had laying around for a YEAR . I kept meaning to, but never got around to it. I was perhaps a bit complacent as I already had one fitted upstairs, but now I've finally put it up, and feel a little bit more relieved. It's such a simple thing to do.

So, have you got at least one fitted? (And when did you last test it?).

Yeah but, but, but, putting death by towering inferno aside, they constantly go off when I slightly over cook me dinner, so no, I haven't bothered...

Perhaps I should have lurnd harder in home economiks lessns at skool

Three of differing types.

Rate of rise in the downstairs hall outside the kitchen. Less likely to go off due to bad cooking.
Ionisation one end of the upstairs landing.
Another type, smoke?, the other end of the upstairs landing.

I went to the local fire station and asked their advise. Got a free fire safety check* and three battery alarms.

Battery alarms have a lithium 9v battery and they last for years in a multimeter.


*Yes FA, they did turn up in uniform

Got two of them, sitting in their wrapper for the 6 years I've lived here.

Considering I've set the kitchen on fire twice, I really must put them up.

One in every room apart from bathrooms and kitchen.

Two, one downstairs and one upstairs. Both recently changed as well, as the old ones had just about had it.

Having had the fun of putting out a chip pan fire years ago, it's not an experience I want to repeat.

we have to fitted for free by the local fire brigade,that keep my son and misses happy for an hour.

Yup, they remind me when grubs ready.

Four, all mains powered with battery backup and linked, so if one goes off they all go off.

Originally Posted by Fallen Angel

Woah woah WOAH!?!?! If I go to my local firestation they'll come to my house and give me a free check? Excellent...know what I'm doing Friday

You have to ask nicely.

Originally Posted by cheb

You have to ask nicely.

Although they might question why you need the alarms all fitting in your bedroom.

And you do have to unlock the door to let them out when they've done. You can't keep any.

Got two of them. Tested every month. Spare batteries kept as well. I'm paranoid about this as we used to live in students digs for 8 years. With two children I am not going to begrudge a simple chore like this at all.