The greatest danger in a fire is not the flames, but the toxic fumes. Especially at night, when we are asleep and our sense of smell is also ‘at rest’, fires are often noticed too late. But there is a lifesaver: smoke alarms!
Smoke alarms save lives - and not just in theory.
How smoke alarms save lives
Smoke detectors are small, inconspicuous devices that are fitted to the ceiling and emit a penetrating alarm signal in the event of an emergency. They react to smoke particles in the air and warn the occupants in good time so that they can leave the house or, if necessary, fight the fire before it is too late.
In most cases, it is these precious seconds that make the difference between life and death. A working smoke alarm gives people the time they need to get to safety. Without such a detector, many people have no chance in the event of a fire.
Smoke detector obligation in Germany
The importance of smoke alarms is emphasised by the statutory smoke alarm obligation in Germany. Smoke detectors are mandatory in residential buildings in almost all federal states. This applies to both new and existing buildings. The obligation generally covers bedrooms, children's rooms and corridors that serve as escape routes.
Unfortunately, there are still households in which no smoke alarms are installed or the existing devices are not regularly maintained. This represents an unnecessary danger that can easily be avoided.
Smoke alarms save lives - even at work
There is currently no obligation to install smoke alarms in commercial premises, as it is assumed that a fire in the workplace will be recognised in good time. Nevertheless, a smoke detector also buys time in the event of a fire in the workplace, for example by detecting a fire in the printer earlier so that further measures can be taken in good time.
A small investment with a big impact
Smoke alarms cost very little, but offer invaluable benefits. Smoke alarms save lives - especially if a fire breaks out at night.
So every household should ensure that all mandatory rooms are fitted with working smoke alarms. Regular maintenance and battery checks are also crucial to ensure that you can rely on the devices in an emergency.
Good to know: There are also smoke detectors that can detect other hazards such as carbon monoxide, a gas that is also often fatal and odourless. These combination detectors offer extended protection and are particularly recommended for households with gas heating or a fireplace.