Smoke and Fire Alarms: A Simple Guide to Staying Safe at Home 

by | Jan 29, 2026 | CORGI Trade Advice

Smoke and fire alarms are one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your home and the people in it. Yet they’re often overlooked until something goes wrong. 

The CORGI Trade Smoke and Fire Alarms Homeowner Guide is designed to make fire safety easy to understand, with practical advice you can act on straight away. 

Why alarms matter 

Fires can spread quickly, especially at night. A working alarm gives you precious early warning, helping everyone get out safely and call for help. 

Many of the issues professionals find in UK homes are avoidable, including: 

  • Missing alarms or alarms fitted in the wrong places 
  • Flat batteries or alarms that haven’t been tested 
  • Outdated units that no longer meet current standards 

Where alarms should be fitted 

As a minimum, smoke alarms should be installed on every level of your home and near bedrooms. Heat alarms are recommended in kitchens, where cooking fumes could trigger smoke alarms unnecessarily. 

The Homeowner Guide explains what type of alarm is best for each area of your home and how they should work together. 

Simple checks that make a big difference 

  • Test alarms regularly 
  • Replace batteries when needed 
  • Change the alarm unit when it reaches the end of its life 

If you’re unsure whether your alarms are suitable or correctly installed, a qualified professional can help. 

Get the free Homeowner Guide 

The CORGI Trade Smoke and Fire Alarms Homeowner Guide gives clear, practical advice to help you keep your home safe and compliant — without technical jargon. 

Download the free guide to understand what good fire safety looks like and when it’s time to call a trusted professional. 

A few simple checks today can make a life-saving difference tomorrow.