How often do you test your smoke alarm? If you’re like many people across the UK, the answer is probably not regularly enough. Despite the risk of house fires, it’s common for both tenants and homeowners to overlook this simple but vital task.
Smoke alarms are one of the most effective fire safety tools available. They offer early warning in the event of a fire, potentially saving lives and reducing property damage. Yet, many people still fail to follow basic fire safety advice when it comes to testing them.
How often should you test a smoke alarm?
Before diving into recent survey results, let’s clarify best practice. According to the National Fire Chiefs Council, you should test your smoke alarm at least once a month. Some fire services, including the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, recommend testing once a week.
Despite this advice, many people fall short. A recent fire safety awareness survey of 2,000 adults, carried out by YouGov for GoCompare, revealed that:
- Only 5% of people test their smoke alarm weekly
- 18% test monthly
- 35% test every two to six months
- 15% do it once a year
- Shockingly, 25% either never test their alarm or do so less than once a year
The data also showed that under-35s are the least likely to test regularly, with 21% admitting they never check their alarms. In contrast, only 10% of people over 54 said the same.
Responsibilities of landlords and tenants
Confusion often exists around landlord fire safety responsibilities and what tenants must do. To maintain safety and comply with regulations, it’s essential that both parties understand their roles.
- Landlords are responsible for ensuring smoke alarms are installed and working at the start of a new tenancy.
- It is best practice for landlords to demonstrate how to test the alarms and to provide the manufacturer’s testing instructions.
- Tenants are then responsible for testing the alarms during the tenancy. Setting a regular phone reminder can help form a habit. Forgetting is one of the main reasons people fail to check their alarms.
Keeping on top of this small task can make a life-saving difference.
Don’t become a statistic
In the year leading up to March 2024, there were more than 31,000 dwelling fires and over 250 fire-related deaths across the UK. Many of these incidents could have had less severe outcomes (or been avoided altogether) if a working smoke alarm had been present.
Whether you’re a landlord, tenant, or homeowner, testing your smoke alarm should be a non-negotiable part of your home safety routine.
If you know someone who might benefit from this message, please share it with them. And if you’re a landlord and need guidance on keeping your rental property compliant and safe, contact us today.
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