Westhoek (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Only 20% of Westhoek residents test smoke detectors monthly, prompting fire brigade warnings about a dangerous “false sense of security” in fire safety.
The ‘Great Smoke Detector Test’, an online fire safety assessment conducted by the fire department, makes this clear. The questionnaire was filled out by 660 residents of the 18 Westhoek towns.
Although there is room for improvement, the outcomes are typically encouraging. According to Kristof Louagie of the Westhoek fire department,
“we see that there are an average of 3.6 smoke detectors per home.”
“That is positive, because it means that we are doing more than the minimum legal requirement of one smoke detector per floor.”
He added that but we do find that only 19 percent of people test their smoke detectors monthly. THye strongly recommend this, and advise doing it at fixed times. For example, every first Thursday of the month. Because smoke detectors with empty batteries or a technical defect provide a false sense of security.
In addition, it is important to replace smoke detectors every 10 years, even if they still seem to work, because the sensor becomes less reliable over time.
The results of the smoke detector test will be used by the fire department to give consumers internet access to more fire safety information.
What are the main reasons people in Westhoek don’t test their smoke detectors regularly?
Residents may disable detectors or refrain from testing them in order to avoid nuisances caused by frequent false alarms set off by insects, dust, humidity, steam, or burnt food.
Many consumers undervalue the significance of routine testing, which gives them the unfounded confidence that their smoke detectors are functioning.
Monthly smoke alarm testing may be neglected because of hectic schedules or the belief that it is a low-priority chore.
The frequency of testing varies by tenure and household type; people who live alone or in older homes are less likely to test frequently. Private renters test less frequently than other groups, such as couples with children.
Alarms can deter testing due to issues like insufficient batteries, improper installation, or neglect.
