Charity warns Scots will be hit by cost of new fire alarm rules
A leading charity has warned that some people in Scotland will need cash help to meet new rules forcing every homeowner to install state- of- theart fire and smoke alarms.
Under changes to the law confirmed by the Scottish Government every household will have to have an ' interlinked' system of ceiling- mounted alarms in living rooms, landings, hallways and heat alarms in every kitchen by February 2021. The system will mean that if a fire goes off in one room the nearest alarm will set off the others.
All homeowners or l andlords will have to fund the costs of the alarms, estimated by the Scottish Government to be at least £ 220 - but this only applies to alarms that can be fitted without the help of an electrician.
The changes mean the standard that already applies to private rented property and new
builds is being extended to all homes. The government website says even alarms that can be fitted without the help of an electrician will cost over £ 200. And the new law was only just announced this week, giving people just a few months to comply.
The site states: "Prices will vary depending on the devices you choose to install, but it is estimated that to fit the required alarms in an average three- bedroom house - requiring three smoke alarms, one heat alarm and one carbon monoxide detector - will cost around £ 220. This is based on using the type of alarms you can install yourself. Mainswired alarms will, however, require to be installed by an electrician which will be an additional cost to consider, and you may need a building warrant if you live in a flat."
Citizens Advice S cotland said that while the new law would bring improved safet y, families on low incomes would struggle to fork out the cash required to meet the new standards.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue service welcomed the measure, saying it will be able to fit the new standard alarms in homes of those deemed ' high ri sk' i ncluding t he el derly and those with mental health problems. But their home fire safety visits don't cover people hard up for cash.
Ci t i zens Advice s p okeswoman Kate Morrison said: “It would be good to see support made available for people who need it.”