Smoke Alarms
The 2018/19 incident statistics on firescotland.gov states that 26,726 fires were attended, which was up 2.1% on the year before. 73.3% of these fires occurred in a place of residence, therefore showing the importance of why the new regulation of all homes in Scotland to be equipped with smoke and heat alarms is crucial.
Smoke alarms give an early warning to alert occupants of a potentially deadly fire. The alarm is intended to not only protect people but property too. A lot of people underestimate the speed of how fast a fire can spread. An important demonstrational video by Fire Kills Campaign shows how a fire can destroy a living room in under a minute.
Heat Alarms
Heat detectors are intended to minimize property damage by reacting to the change in temperature caused by a fire. The alarm responds when the heat from a fire increases the temperature of a heat sensitive element inside the alarm. The heat detector will sound an alarm once it detects the temperature rise above 57°C (135 degrees F).In conclusion, if a fire occurs the smoke alarm will sound as soon as it detects smoke - intended to protect people and property in the very early stage of a fire. The heat detectors are required in every kitchen and they're intended to minimize damage by reacting once temperatures rise above 57°C.