Testing your smoke alarm Fire Safety in the Home > Home Safey Checks > Testing your Smoke Alarm > Safe Routines > Talks & Displays Fire Safety for Businesses > Fire Risk Assessments > A visit by an Inspector > Compliance Check List > Log Book > Petroleum Testing Your Smoke Detector The placement of “working” smoke alarms is the most crucial factor in saving lives during a house fire. The appropriate type and quantity of alarms depend on the structure and interior layout of the house. Information on the recommended type of alarm and positioning can be found on the alarm packaging. The fire service offers a leaflet on “Smoke Alarms for the Home,” which can be obtained at the bottom of this page or downloaded from the Leaflets link. In 2002, firefighters in England and Wales responded to more than 5,000 accidental house fires in which smoke detectors were installed but did not function. Implementing straightforward measures can make a significant difference in saving lives: Test the battery every week Replace the battery every year Clean with a vacuum every six months Replace the smoke detector every ten years
