Nature: Automatic Fire Alarms – Residential Smoke Detectors

•  Monday, April 1^st @ 17:35 - Location: Timbercreek Lane, Long Neck Shores

• Monday, April 1^st @ 21:21 – Location:  Shadeland Ave, The Peninsula

• Thursday, April 4^th @ 11:51 – Location:  Harvard Ave, Carillon Woods

• Friday, April 5^th @ 23:13 – Location:  Spring Water Drive, Long Neck Shores

Over the past week, the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company responded to a few automatic fire alarms (AFA) – residential type incidents which were the result of culinary mishaps or contractors working on the systems with providing adequate notification.  These types of incidents are becoming very frequent in nature and are 100% preventable.

These alarms have become a significant concern for fire departments due to the impact upon public safety, firefighter safety, and the financial burden that it places upon fire departments making unneeded responses. 

Indian River responds to all types of emergencies; however, automatic alarm calls, by far, place a burden on all fire departments the most.  Illustrated herewith are recommendations to reduce and/or avoid false alarms from automatic fire alarm (AFA) systems. 

Many false alarms result from activities carried out near to fire detectors, particularly smoke detectors. To prevent unwanted nuisance alarm activations, you may consider the following common causes and solutions and do something to stop them from happening in your residence.

• Cooking fumes

Ensure cooking is in designated locations which have appropriate detection (usually heat). Correct use of extractor fans and the closing of doors between designated cooking areas and detector heads can further prevent false alarms. Toasters often cause false alarms and careful consideration must be given to where they are used.

• Steam (from shower rooms)

Ensure there is adequate ventilation in the shower room and keep doors to outer rooms closed. Understand the need to close doors and take action to avoid build-up of excessive steam.

• Aerosol sprays

 

Where possible, you should prevent the use of aerosols in the vicinity of fire alarm detector heads.  Products such as deodorant and hair spray will commonly set off smoke detectors.

• Dusty work

Dust can also prevent detectors working effectively in the future. It is important to plan carefully all hot and dusty work.

• Faulty detectors

Detectors may develop faults and this can result in repeated unexplained AFA actuations. A competent person should check the fire alarm system and carryout any necessary remedial work such as replacing the faulty detector head.

• Incorrect positioning of detectors

If an incorrect detector is used false alarms may result. If a detector is positioned too close to areas where environmental conditions can cause activation consideration may need to be given to moving the detector. An example is when a smoke detector is fitted in a car garage where a heat detector may be more suitable.