- This event has passed.
Deadline for Interlinked Smoke and Fire Alarms in Scottish Homes
February 1, 2022
Ahead of changes to the fire and smoke alarm standards in Scotland, Falkirk Council has created a leaflet to help people avoid scammers and rogue traders who may try to take advantage of any confusion or worries.
By February 2022, every home in Scotland must meet Scottish Government’s new standard for interlinked alarms (linked for your convenience).
The leaflet covers various approaches scammers might use, and how to find trusted information, including from Scottish Government, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Care & Repair Scotland, and Trusted Traders.
(According to Age Scotland, Scottish Government has provided £500,000 funding to allow Care & Repair Scotland to support eligible older and disabled homeowners with installation.
To be eligible for support from Care & Repair Scotland, you must live in and own your home that has a Council Tax banding of A-C. You must also either be in receipt of guaranteed Pension Credit, or have a disability and be in a support group for Employment and Support Allowance.)
A full transcript of the leaflet is available below:
“Every home in Scotland must meet the Scottish Government’s new standard for interlinked fire and smoke alarms by February 2020.
Scammers and rogue traders may try to take advantage of those who are unsure about how to comply with the new legislation or worried about meeting the installation deadline.
What Might Scammers Say?
Cold Callers may tell you that you are eligible for financial support to install new fire alarms or that they are offering special deals.
If you get a cold call about the new fire alarms legislation, do not provide any details or agree to purchase any products.
You may get a leaflet through the door from a company selling fire alarms that implies they have been endorsed by the Government.
Neither the Scottish Government nor Scottish Ministers have endorsed any particular suppliers, products or services.
Where Can I Find Trusted Information?
The best way to avoid scams is to use trusted sources of information. Don’t deal with cold callers and be wary of any company that says their products or services have been endorsed by the Scottish Government.
- Scottish Government
www.mygov.scot/home-fire-safety
Detailed information about the new legislation, what you need to do and what to look for when choosing an alarm.
- Scottish Fire & Rescue Service
www.firescotland.gov.uk / 0800 0731 999
Information about choosing and installing alarms and how to book a free Home Fire Safety visit.
- Care & Repair Scotland
www.careandrepairscotland.co.uk / 0141 221 9879
Information about financial support available to eligible older and disabled homeowners.
- Trusted Traders
Find installers who have been vetted and approved by local Trading Standards officers.
Report all scams to Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000 or at www.consumeradvice.scot”
Further information and support on scams and fraud is also available on the Police Scotland website.
To view or download Falkirk Council’s leaflet as a jpeg, please visit the CVS Falkirk website.
