When it comes to fire and gas safety, early detection is crucial for saving lives. Smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide (CO₂) alarms are your essential first line of defence, alerting you to invisible dangers before they escalate. These alarms give you critical time to act, whether to evacuate, investigate, or intervene.
Whether you’re asleep at home, managing a business, or responsible for multiple properties, a comprehensive alarm system ensures maximum protection for everyone inside.
Why Smoke Alarms Matter
Smoke is typically the earliest indicator of fire—long before flames are visible. Most fire-related deaths occur due to smoke inhalation, not burns. That’s why smoke alarms are vital in living spaces, bedrooms, and hallways. These alarms detect smoke particles in the air and emit a loud warning, giving you time to respond.
Ideal for: Living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, communal areas
Best for detecting: Smouldering fires (e.g. upholstery, electrical faults)
Why Heat Alarms Are Essential Too
Heat alarms detect rapid temperature increases rather than smoke, making them ideal for areas where cooking fumes, dust, or steam could cause false alerts. This makes them perfect for kitchens, garages, or boiler rooms.
Ideal for: Kitchens, boiler rooms, garages, lofts
Best for detecting: Fast-burning fires (e.g. oil fires, appliance malfunctions)
The Critical Role of CO₂ Alarms
Carbon monoxide is a silent killer—an invisible, odourless gas produced by faulty boilers, gas appliances, and blocked flues. Exposure can lead to serious health issues or death. CO₂ alarms detect this dangerous gas and alert you before levels become harmful.
Ideal for: Bedrooms, living rooms, rooms with gas appliances or solid fuel burners
Best for detecting: Carbon monoxide leaks from boilers, fireplaces, heaters
Symptoms of CO₂ poisoning include: headaches, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness, collapse, and unconsciousness—often mistaken for flu.
Interlinked Alarms: Safer, Smarter, Simpler
Modern safety systems allow smoke, heat, and CO₂ alarms to be interlinked. If one detects danger, all connected alarms sound the alert. This is especially vital in multi-storey homes or large properties, ensuring you’re warned no matter where the hazard originates.
With Firexo’s 10-year battery alarm range, you benefit from:
- No mains wiring or costly installations
- Tamper-proof, maintenance-free design
- Wireless interlinking for complete coverage
- Combined smoke + CO₂ alarms available
For Landlords & Business Owners
Installing working alarms isn’t just good practice—it’s a legal requirement. UK regulations mandate smoke alarms on each floor of rental properties, heat alarms in kitchens, and CO₂ alarms in rooms with solid fuel appliances. Commercial premises must also comply with fire risk assessments and safety codes.
Firexo’s alarm systems are fully compliant with UK safety standards, helping landlords and business owners meet their obligations with ease.
Quick Tips for Alarm Placement
| Room/Area | Recommended Alarm Type |
|---|---|
| Bedrooms | Smoke Alarm, CO₂ Alarm |
| Living Rooms | Smoke Alarm, CO₂ Alarm |
| Kitchens | Heat Alarm |
| Garages/Lofts | Heat Alarm |
| Boiler Rooms | Heat Alarm, CO₂ Alarm |
| Hallways/Stairwells | Smoke Alarm (Interlinked) |
Every Second Counts
Fires can double in size every 30 seconds, and carbon monoxide can build up without any warning signs. Without an early detection system, your window to respond could close before you’re even aware there’s a problem.
Investing in smoke, heat, and CO₂ alarms isn’t just a precaution—it’s a life-saving necessity.
With Firexo’s easy-to-install, highly reliable alarm range, protecting your home, tenants, or business has never been easier.
Stay alert. Stay protected. Trust Extinguisher Station to keep you safe—room by room, alarm by alarm.