The new legislation requires all homes to have:

• One smoke alarm installed in the room most frequently used for general daytime living purposes
• One smoke alarm in every circulation space on each storey, such as hallways and landings
• One heat alarm installed in the kitchen All alarms should be ceiling mounted and interlinked
• Where there is a carbon-fuelled appliance, such as a boiler, fire (including open fires) and heater, a carbon monoxide detector is also required. This does not need to be linked to the fire alarms.

If you live in a one bedroom flat, you will need two smoke alarms and one heat alarm. If you have a carbon fuelled appliance like a boiler, you will also need a carbon monoxide detector.
A 3 bedroom, 2 storey house will need 3 smoke alarms and one heat alarm. If you have a carbon fuelled appliance like a boiler, you will also need a carbon monoxide detector.

There are two types of alarms available:

• Tamper proof long-life battery-operated alarms, which can last for up to 10 years, and can be fitted by the homeowner or a handyperson.
• Mains wired alarms, which should be installed by a qualified electrician.

The homeowner is responsible for making sure their home meets the the new fire alarms standard, and for finding a contractor to carry out the work. When purchasing an alarm, choose a reputable brand and make sure the packaging clearly displays compliance with BS EN14604:2005 for smoke alarms. Carbon monoxide alarms should have the British Kitemark (EN 50291-1). Heat alarms should comply with BS 5446-2:2003. To find out more about the new legislation and the support available, visit: mygov.scot/firealarms