This week, the rescue service is checking the presence of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in the homes of people in Estonia. The heating season is about to begin, so it is very important to make sure that both the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are present and in working order. A smoke detector has been mandatory for 15 years, a carbon monoxide detector in homes with solid heating for nearly three years.
“Last year, we checked smoke detectors in nearly 5,500 homes and found that a working smoke detector was missing in a quarter of the homes checked. It is very worrying that if a fire were to happen today, almost a quarter of Estonian homes would not have a smoke detector, because it simply does not exist or is not working. The presence of a working smoke and carbon monoxide detector must be as natural as working brakes on a car,” said Maret Rannala, head of the safety supervision department of the Rescue Board, adding that everyone must take care of the safety of their home and family.
Inspections will take place on the 23rd-27th. in September until 19:00 in the evening. Inspections are carried out by Rescue Board inspectors together with rescue teams. If the sensor is missing or not in working order, a fine of 40 euros can be imposed. The aim of the inspection is to ensure that homes have properly installed and working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
During inspections, the Rescue Board’s inspectors and rescuers always wear the Rescue Board’s official clothing and carry their work certificate – in case of doubt, they must also be asked to show their work certificate.
Every home must have at least one working smoke detector. However, it is recommended to install a smoke detector on each floor or even in each room. A carbon monoxide sensor must be in every home with a solid heating system (fireplace, oven, stove, boiler).
Check the operation of the sensors once a month. To do this, press the test button, after which an alarm signal must sound. If necessary, replace the sensor’s battery immediately and re-install the sensor immediately. Testing is essential to ensure the sensors are faultless and continuously operational.
In the first 8 months of 2024, 26 people died in 22 fires. There was no smoke detector in 17 residential buildings (85%). As of 8 months, 77 people escaped from 40 home fires and dangerous events with a working smoke detector.
2024-09-23 05:48:54
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