Automatic Fire Alarms (AFAs) are essential for detecting fires, but false alarms—known as Unwanted Fire Signals (UwFS)—are a significant concern.
In East Sussex, these false alarms comprise a large portion of emergency calls, diverting resources from real emergencies.
To address this we have updated its response policies, especially for low-risk commercial premises.
Property owners and managers must ensure proper maintenance and management of alarm systems to reduce false alarms.
Understanding Automatic Fire Alarms (AFAs)
An Automatic Fire Alarm (AFA) system alerts occupants to a potential fire through automatic detection (e.g., smoke or heat detectors) or manual activation (e.g., call points). These systems are vital for early fire detection, facilitating prompt evacuation and response.
The Issue of Unwanted Fire Signals (UwFS)
A false alarm occurs when an AFA activates without an actual fire, often due to environmental factors, system malfunctions, or human error. When we respond to such false alarms, they are termed Unwanted Fire Signals (UwFS).
These incidents disrupt essential services, including training and community safety efforts, and can delay responses to genuine emergencies.
Impact on Emergency Services
We handle approximately 10,000 incidents annually, with AFAs accounting for 36% of these calls.
Alarmingly, 97% of these AFA calls are false alarms. In non-domestic premises, only about 1.3% of AFA calls result from actual fires, averaging 20 genuine fires per year.
Policy Changes to Address False Alarms
To mitigate the impact of false alarms we have revised our response strategy.
Low-Risk Commercial Premises: Unless there is telephone confirmation of a fire, we no longer automatically respond to fire alarms in low-risk commercial properties—such as
- offices
- shops
- factories
- pubs
- schools
- clubs
- restaurants
Responsibilities of Property Owners and Managers
Property owners and managers are legally obligated to ensure their fire alarm systems are properly maintained and to manage false alarms effectively. Failure to monitor and control repeated false alarms can lead to enforcement actions.
Strategies to Reduce False Alarms
To minimize false alarms:
- Regular Maintenance: Conduct routine inspections and servicing of alarm systems to ensure all components function correctly.
- Proper Training: Educate staff on the correct use of alarm systems and establish clear protocols for responding to alarms.
- Environmental Considerations: Install detectors appropriate for the environment to reduce false activations caused by factors like dust, steam, or cooking fumes.
- Investigation of Alarms: Implement procedures to investigate the cause of each alarm activation to prevent recurrence.
By adopting these measures, businesses can significantly reduce the occurrence of false alarms, ensuring that emergency services are available for genuine emergencies and maintaining compliance with fire safety regulations.
Call to Action
Ensure your fire alarm systems are well-maintained and that staff are adequately trained to prevent false alarms.
By doing so, you contribute to the efficiency of emergency services and the safety of the community.