Smoke alarm helps avert serious firedamage

The occupants of the house at Rushmere Drive were alerted by the alarm after a fire started at around 4.15pm last Thursday afternoon.

It is believed to have been started by a grill pan but the occupants were able to get safely out of the house before the Fire Brigade arrived.

Two appliances from Lisburn Fire Station and one from Cadogan attended the incident which was quickly dealt with.

The Fire Service said said it was a good example of a smoke alarm giving a precious few minutes of warning which could help you and your family get out safely.

“Smoke alarms cost around £5 and are simple to install are widely available from DIY, hardware, electrical shops and some supermarkets” said a spokesperson.

“If you have not yet installed an alarm choose one that carries the British Standard BS5446 Part 1 and kite mark. It should be tested once a week. If you have a doubt as the where to position your smoke alarm, contact Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service.”

They also said anyone whose hearing is impaired should link two or more alarms throughout the house. This way smoke detected in the living room will be set off by another alarm in the bedroom. An electrician will be able to advise about linking the alarms. And for people who would not be able to hear a conventional alarm there are special devices available which make use of a vibrating pad or flashing light instead of the audible signal. The vibrating pad alarms are particularly useful for deaf-blind people.