Smoke alarms | Progress Housing Group

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms save lives by providing early warning and extra time for you and your loved ones to escape if there is a fire or a carbon monoxide leak.

Working smoke alarms correctly positioned in your home can save your life. You must test all the alarms in your home at least once a month to check that they are in good working order and to keep everyone safe.

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms save lives
We fit smoke alarms on every level of your home
Testing all your alarms in your home at least once a month is very important to check they are working properly
Have a plan for leaving your home if your smoke alarms go off, and make sure everyone in your home knows what it is.

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Checking and testing your smoke alarm

How to test your smoke alarm

We fit smoke alarms on every level in your home, and you can usually find them on the ceiling of your hallway and landing.

All smoke alarms have a large ‘press here to test’ button. If we have recently fitted a smoke alarm in your home, you will find a tester switch on the wall at a convenient height.

If you have an older smoke alarm, you will find the tester button on the alarm itself. You may need a broom handle or walking stick to press the test button. You may also need to hold the test button for 10 seconds. When you press the tester button or switch, all smoke alarms in your home will sound. If your alarm does not sound when you test it, or it keeps beeping and stopping, please tell us immediately by calling 0333 320 4555 or get in touch by live chat.

How to test your your carbon monoxide alarm

Carbon monoxide is an odourless, colourless and tasteless gas which is poisonous. If they are not working properly, carbon monoxide can be produced by appliances that burn fossil fuels such as gas, coal, wood, or oil.

Your carbon monoxide alarm looks and sounds different to your smoke alarm. This is so you can tell the difference between a carbon monoxide leak and a fire. Your carbon monoxide alarm should be in a room with a fuel-burning appliance, such as an open fire, gas cooker or boiler.

To test your carbon monoxide alarm, press and hold the test button on the alarm. The power indicator should flash, and the alarm will beep. If your alarm fault indicator flashes or stays on constantly, please tell us straight away by calling 0333 320 4555 or get in touch by live chat on our website. If your alarm suddenly beeps or the alarm light shows, it is likely that carbon monoxide is present.

Call us on 0333 320 4555 immediately, as a carbon monoxide leak can be life-threatening. If you are struggling with any of these steps, you can contact your local fire service to arrange a free home fire safety check.

Replacing the battery

If your alarm does not sound when you test it, or it keeps beeping and stopping, please tell us immediately by calling 0333 320 4555 or get in touch by live chat.

We will organise for the battery to be replaced as you will not be able to replace the battery yourself. Don’t ever paint over a smoke alarm, and keep your smoke alarm clean and free from dust by lightly cleaning it with a soft cloth. It is always a good idea to plan how you’d leave your home if your smoke alarms go off and make sure everyone in your home knows what it is.

Keeping your alarms in good working order

You can take some steps to reduce the risk of a fire in your home.

Don’t ever paint over a smoke alarm
Keep your smoke alarm clean and dust-free by lightly cleaning it with a soft cloth
Most fires happen at night. Check all appliances are off before you go to bed
Keep all exits clear of obstructions so that people can escape quickly
Take care in the kitchen, and never leave cooking unattended
Never leave electrical appliances switched on when no one is at home
Always keep matches and lighters out of reach of children
Extinguish cigarettes carefully and never smoke in bed
Keep candles in secure and non-flammable holders and never leave them unattended
Do not overload electrical sockets
Do not leave a fire door open, and never remove an automatic door closer
Do not store anything flammable, such as petrol, in your home.

Preventing a carbon monoxide leak

To keep safe from carbon monoxide, make sure you:

Have adequate ventilation in your property
Have gas appliances serviced regularly by a Gas Safe registered engineer
Have a carbon monoxide alarm in every room which has appliances that burn fossil fuels; make sure it complies with the British Standard EN 50291 and carries a British or European approval mark, such as a Kitemark
Test your carbon monoxide alarms every month at the same time as your smoke alarm.

Other ways we can help

If you need any further help on testing your alarms, get in touch with your area housing officer or independent living co-ordinator. You can also call 0333 320 4555 or use our live chat function on our website.

Please contact us if you have any concerns about fire safety. We also have lots of useful information about fire safety on our website. You can also get a free home fire safety check from your local fire service.