Smoke alarm safety: what you need to know
23rd February 2026
- Published
This easy-to-follow home fire safety check has been developed through a partnership between the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC), Fire Kills and Safelincs. It will take you through your home one room at a time and the simple questions will help you spot fire risks as you go around your home.
The tool will offer tips and advice on the steps you can take to reduce those risks. At the end, you will receive a personalised fire safety action plan to help keep you and your household safe from fire.
Click here, external to take you to the free online home fire safety check.
Please note, this is for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. For Scotland, go to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Click here, external for their home fire safety visit self-referral.
Consumer safety charity, Electrical Safety First, external provides guidance on spotting dangerous appliances.
How often to test and replace your alarm
Test your smoke alarm once a month by pressing and holding the test button.
If the sound is weak or silent, replace the battery immediately.
Replace the entire alarm every 10 years, even if it still seems to work — sensors degrade over time.
You should have at least one alarm on every floor, ideally interconnected so they all sound together.
