Fire services across the UK offer free smoke alarms to certain groups as part of their fire prevention strategies. These programmes aim to protect those most at risk from fire hazards. While availability varies by region, most fire services prioritise vulnerable households.
Who Qualifies for Free Smoke Alarms?
You may qualify for free smoke alarms if you belong to one of these groups:
Adults aged 65 and over
People with disabilities or mobility issues
Those with visual or hearing difficulties
Low income households
Families with young children
People living alone
Free Smoke Alarms from Fire Services
Most fire services use our online Home Fire Safety Check to triage for a home visit. Usually, fire services ask individuals, carers or third parties to complete this check first. The check scores the household to see how high-risk it is and refers them to the fire service to investigate or visit.
Free Smoke Alarms for Older Adults
If you are over 65, you have a higher chance of qualifying for free smoke alarms. Many fire services prioritise older adults because statistics show they face greater risks during fire emergencies. Some areas offer specialised alarms with strobe lights or vibrating pads for those with hearing loss.
Vulnerable Groups and Access to Free Alarms
You may receive free smoke alarms if you have disabilities that affect your ability to respond to fires. This includes mobility issues, sensory difficulties or cognitive conditions. Local councils sometimes work alongside fire services to identify and support vulnerable residents.
How to Apply for Free Smoke Alarms
To check if you qualify for free smoke alarms:
Contact your local fire service directly
Request a Home Fire Safety Visit
Explain your circumstances when booking
Provide details about any specific needs
The fire service will assess your eligibility based on local criteria and available resources.
What If You Don’t Qualify?
If you don’t meet the eligibility criteria for free smoke alarms, you can still purchase high-quality smoke detectors at reasonable prices. Safelincs offers a wide range of smoke alarms suited to various needs, from basic models to interconnected systems.
Remember that investing in proper smoke alarms significantly increases your chances of escaping a fire safely. All homes should have working smoke alarms on each floor, regardless of whether they were obtained for free or purchased.
When you manage a building, you need to ensure everyone can exit safely during an emergency. For people with mobility challenges or higher dependencies, vertical evacuation becomes particularly important. Vertical evacuation refers to the process of moving people down or sometimes up staircases when lifts cannot be used during emergencies.
As the responsible person for fire safety, you must provide adequate evacuation methods for all building occupants, including those with mobility impairments. Proper equipment makes this possible and helps you meet legal obligations while keeping everyone safe.
Legal Requirements for Vertical Evacuation
Under current legislation, you have a legal obligation to ensure all building occupants can evacuate safely during an emergency. This includes people with mobility impairments who cannot use stairs without assistance.
You must comply with fire safety regulations, health and safety laws and equal opportunity requirements. These stipulate that suitable evacuation plans and equipment must be in place to assist people with higher dependencies.
Remember that lifts typically cannot be used during fire emergencies, making alternative methods essential for multi-storey buildings.
Types of Vertical Evacuation Equipment
Evacuation Chairs
Evacuation chairs are designed to transport people with mobility impairments down stairs during emergencies. These chairs use friction belt systems to ensure a controlled, smooth descent.
The Evac+Chair range offers several models suitable for various needs:
Standard evacuation chairs like the 300H MK5 model feature safety belts, head restraints and simple operation mechanisms.
Bariatric evacuation chairs such as the 500H MK5 can support users weighing up to 227kg and work on regular and steep 45° stairs.
Multi-operator chairs like the 600H MK5 have additional handles allowing up to four operators, ideal for difficult access locations.
Ascent and descent chairs such as the IBEX TranSeat 700H can move both up and down stairs, useful for evacuating from basement levels.
Motorised evacuation chairs like the Power 1000H remove any physical strain on operators.
Evacuation chairs are classified as Class I Medical Devices, and their use is regulated under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), requiring proper training for operators.
Evacuation Sheets and Sledges
Evacuation sheets and sledges offer alternative solutions for moving people who are bed-bound or have very limited mobility:
Evacuation sheets attach to mattresses, allowing a person to be quickly secured and pulled to safety. These sheets work well in buildings with narrow staircases and limited space.
Evacuation sledges provide more padding and support than sheets, with straps to secure the person during movement. They are particularly useful for wheelchair users who need additional comfort.
Evacuation mattresses combine the functions of sheets and sledges, offering padding while allowing easy movement down stairs.
These options are commonly used in hospitals, care homes and other settings where people might be confined to beds.
Evacuation Chutes
For tall buildings where traditional evacuation methods might not be sufficient, evacuation chutes provide a safe descent option:
These specialised devices offer controlled descent from height as secondary evacuation routes.
They can be installed for escape from windows, roofs or external walkways.
Chutes are particularly valuable in tower blocks and high-rise office buildings.
Specialist Equipment for Specific Needs
Some people require equipment designed for their particular needs:
Bariatric evacuation equipment such as the Bariatric EvacMat and Bariatric Slide Sheet support the safe evacuation of larger individuals.
Transfer slings assist in moving people from wheelchairs to evacuation chairs.
Child and infant evacuation equipment including the Buscot BabEvac Evacuation Cot and TabEvac Evacuation Apron ensure the youngest building occupants can be safely moved.
Choosing the Right Vertical Evacuation Equipment
To select appropriate vertical evacuation equipment, consider:
Building layout – Note staircase width, steepness and any difficult access points.
Occupant needs – Assess the specific requirements of people who will need assistance.
Staff capability – Consider how many trained staff will be available to operate equipment.
Storage options – Determine where equipment will be stored for quick access during emergencies.
For complex buildings or varied needs, you might require multiple types of evacuation equipment to ensure complete coverage.
Proper training ensures equipment can be used effectively when needed:
Training should cover both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Regular practice sessions help maintain operator confidence and ability.
Safelincs offers certificated on-site training for up to six participants per session.
Keep evacuation equipment properly maintained and accessible:
Store equipment in clearly marked locations using stands or storage cabinets.
Use photoluminescent signs to highlight equipment locations.
Conduct regular checks to ensure all equipment remains in working order.
Additional Evacuation Equipment
Besides the main vertical evacuation devices, consider supplementary equipment:
Fire warden accessories such as high visibility clothing help identify those responsible for coordinating evacuation.
Site alarms provide clear audible signals during emergencies.
Escape hoods give users up to 15 minutes protection from toxic gases during evacuation.
Effective vertical evacuation equipment allows you to protect all building occupants during emergencies, regardless of their physical abilities. By selecting appropriate evacuation chairs, sheets, sledges or specialised equipment, you fulfil your legal responsibilities while ensuring the safety of people with higher dependencies.
Remember that equipment choice should be matched with proper training and maintenance to guarantee successful evacuation when needed. With the right approach, you can create a safe environment where everyone has a viable escape route.
Despite common terminology, electricity itself does not burn. What we call ‘electrical fires’ occur when electrical current heats materials near cables or equipment, causing them to ignite. These fires typically start in cable coverings or foreign objects inside electrical devices.
Fire Extinguisher Types Safe for Electrical Equipment
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Extinguishers
CO2 fire extinguishers have traditionally been the first choice for electrical fires. These extinguishers:
Discharge non-conductive gas that smothers flames
Leave no residue, protecting sensitive equipment
Feature distinctive black labels
The main limitation of CO2 extinguishers is that the gas can disperse quickly, potentially allowing fires to reignite if the source of heat remains.
Powder Extinguishers
Powder extinguishers work effectively on electrical fires because:
The powder does not conduct electricity
They offer powerful fire suppression
They work across multiple fire classes
However, powder extinguishers are not ideal for indoor use due to potential respiratory irritation and reduced visibility when discharged, which might block escape routes. They also leave disperse powder over a wide area so the clean-up can be difficult.
Water Mist Extinguishers
Modern water mist extinguishers represent a significant advancement in fire safety technology:
Use de-ionised water that cannot conduct electricity
Discharge through specially designed nozzles creating ultra-fine mist
Have passed di electric testing to 35,000 volts
Safe for use up to 1000V from 1 metre distance
Create minimal water damage to equipment
Do not form dangerous water pools that might conduct electricity
Offer excellent cooling properties
Eco Foam Extinguishers
The latest generation of foam extinguishers includes eco-friendly options:
Free from harmful PFAS chemicals
Di electrically tested for use on live electrical equipment
Effective across multiple fire classes
More environmentally responsible than traditional foams
Provide good fire suppression capabilities
What is Di Electric Testing?
Di-electric testing verifies that extinguishers are safe for electrical fires. This rigorous testing ensures:
No electrical current flows back to the person using the extinguisher
Testing occurs at extremely high voltage (35,000V)
Certified extinguishers are safe at specified distances
Safety limitations (typically 1000V maximum and 1-metre minimum distance)
This certification is crucial when selecting extinguishers for areas with electrical equipment.
The types of electrical equipment in your building
Potential fire risks from computers, printers, kitchen appliances
The need for extinguishers that will not damage sensitive equipment
Ensuring extinguishers are placed near higher-risk areas
Remember that when liquid extinguishers are used on electrical equipment, the electrical supply often cuts off automatically as fuses trip. This reduces but does not eliminate risk.
Choosing the Right Fire Extinguisher
For optimal protection against electrical fires, consider:
CO2 Extinguishers: Best for server rooms and areas with sensitive electrical equipment.
Water Mist Extinguishers: Excellent all-rounders that provide protection for fires involving electrical equipment while causing minimal damage.
Eco Foam Extinguishers: Good choice for areas with mixed fire risks, including electrical components.
The right fire extinguisher improves safety outcomes and protects valuable equipment. While CO2 extinguishers remain popular for electrical fires, newer technologies like water mist offer effective alternatives with additional benefits.
For your business or home, assess all potential fire risks, including electrical equipment such as laptops, printers and kitchen appliances, when planning your fire safety strategy.
As the UK’s leading fire safety company, Safelincs offers a complete range of extinguishers suitable for electrical equipment, backed by award-winning customer service and fire safety expertise.
