Compulsory smoke detectors already implemented in Thuringia?The "Smoke detectors save lives" initiative appeals to Thuringian homeowners to implement the current smoke detector obligation

05.11.2019 – 09:15

Smoke alarms save lives

Berlin (ots)

Since January 1st of this year, smoke detectors have been mandatory for all residential buildings in Thuringia. This obligation applies to rented properties as well as owner-occupied residential property. However, from other federal states, where smoke detectors have been mandatory for years, it is known that private homeowners in particular often do not feel addressed. The "Smoke detectors save lives" initiative therefore appeals to all Thuringian owners to comply with the smoke detector obligation and to install devices. The reason: smoke detectors help to minimize the number of fire deaths, because two thirds of all fire victims are still surprised by the fire while they are sleeping.

"Smoke detectors are lifesavers - especially at night. That's why house and apartment owners who live in their own property should take their duty seriously and install smoke detectors. Unfortunately, many owners still think that the smoke detector obligation only applies to landlords" , says Christian Rudolph, member of the board at Forum Brandprävention e.V. Although there are currently no formal controls by the legislature, the liability insurance for owners stipulates that the statutory provisions must be met.

Behaviour in the event of a fire is a matter of life and death

"We are very happy that the smoke detector requirement makes households in Thuringia safer. But this is only guaranteed if you also know how to behave correctly in the event of a fire and, for example, never run into the smoke-filled stairwell," explains Lars Oschmann from the Thuringian Fire Brigade Association and adds: "If there is a fire in the apartment, you should leave it as soon as possible. If the stairwell is on fire or there is smoke, you stay in the apartment and call the fire brigade on the emergency number 112. It is important to have all the doors between you and the seat of the fire to stop the fire and smoke from spreading further."

More about correct behavior in the event of a fire at: www.rauchmelder-lebensretter.de/verhalten-im-brandfall

Where do smoke detectors need to be installed?

According to the building regulations in Thuringia, all children's and bedrooms as well as corridors that lead to escape routes from common rooms must each be equipped with at least one smoke detector. In detached houses with an open stairwell, this is considered an escape route and must be equipped with a detector at the highest point. Other devices should ideally be installed in common rooms such as the living room, as the risk of fire is particularly high here. The owner is responsible for the installation and maintenance of the smoke detectors.

Q smoke detectors reduce false alarms and ensure greater security Owners who value reliable smoke detectors can use the independent 'Q' quality mark as a guide. Q smoke detectors have a built-in 10-year battery and are particularly recommended because they significantly reduce false alarms. "In general, when purchasing, you should pay attention to long-lasting quality smoke detectors and check them regularly so that we don't have to drive to operations where the smoke detector was only triggered due to a dead battery," says the chairman of the Thuringian Fire Brigade Association.

Further information on the installation and maintenance of smoke detectors at: www.rauchmelder-lebensretter.de/installation-und-wartung/

Press contact:

Forum Fire Smoke Prevention e.V."Smoke detectors save lives"Ms. Claudia GroetschelTel.: 030/44 02 01 30E-Mail: redaktion@rauchmelder-lebensretter.de

Original content from: Smoke detectors save lives, transmitted by news aktuell