34


feature


fire, safety & security


rethinking domestic safety


   Geraint Edwards   


This growing pressure to improve safety outcomes is reinforced by recent figures from the Home Office, which highlight just how far there is still to go. In 2024, research showed that smoke alarms were present and raised the alarm in only 47% of dwelling fires*. Even more concerning, in 29% of cases, the smoke alarms failed to operate or did not raise the alarm at all. These failures were often attributed to poor positioning, maintenance issues or the fire starting in a room without coverage. In total, 31% of fatalities in dwelling fires occurred in properties where a smoke alarm had raised the alarm, demonstrating that early detection alone is not always enough. This data suggests that while alarm presence is important, it’s only part of the equation. For true effectiveness, alarm systems must be


properly designed, installed, and interconnected to ensure that an alert in one room is heard throughout the property. Hybrid alarm networks, made up of wirelessly linked smoke, heat, and CO alarms, offer a scalable way to achieve this, even in domestic properties where full mains wiring may not be practical. Hybrid systems enable both mains and battery-operated alarms


to be wirelessly interlinked across a property, forming a cohesive, intelligent network. When any single device detects danger, whether it’s smoke, heat or carbon monoxide, all alarms sound simultaneously. This ensures occupants receive the earliest possible warning, no matter where they are in the home. From an installation perspective, this offers significant


Continued on page 36... 


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