Its always best to prevent fire before it happens, however sometimes fires do happen in the home, in schools, hospitals or in the workplace at some point. Fires can be started by accident or on purpose. Without the right systems in place a fire could cause somebody to get seriously hurt or in the worst case - die.

There are many types of fire alarm and smoke alarm systems available and here at ABAL security group we do our best to meet your needs.

Please take a look at some of our fire alarm systems, smoke alarms and information on keeping safe and how to maintain your smoke alarm systems!

There are three main types of smoke alarms available which work differently from each other these are:

1. Ionisation smoke detectors
2. Optical smoke detectors
3. Combined smoke detectors

Ionisation smoke detectors are by far the cheapest smoke detectors; these are very sensitive to smaller particles of smoke which flames produce. They will detect fires before the smoke gets too thick. Ionisation smoke detectors are much better at detecting the quick and intense starting fires such as chip pan fires.

Optical smoke detectors are more expensive however they are designed to detect slow smouldering fires which give off lots of smoke rather than a lot of flames unlike the ionisation smoke detector. They are especially good at detecting slow burning fires which include overheated PVC wiring, and smouldering foam filled materials such as sofas, beds, and other upholstery. An example of a fire started this way could be a cigarette left on the bed or arm of a chair.

Combined smoke detectors are very good at detecting both types of fires. They will detect fast burning fires with lots of flame and small amounts of smoke as well as the slower burning fires with lots of smoke.

33% of all smoke alarms in the home do not work due to missing or non-working batteries. Last year due to fires in the home there were

• 50,000 fires (approx 140 a day)
• 500 deaths
• 11,000 injuries

A family or individual is twice as likely to die from a fire in a house where there is no smoke or fire alarm installed. These statistics clearly show that it is greatly important to have a smoke alarm in your home as it will help you protect your home, your possessions and most importantly your family and pets!