Here’s Why There’re So Many False Fire Alarms in S’pore

Last Updated on 2021-09-26 , 1:16 pm

There goes the fire alarm again, tearing at your ears with it’s sharp ring. It’s not just you; everyone is tired of the alarm going off for the fifth time this week, and it’s not even Wednesday yet!

No one is moving because it’s obviously a false alarm, and no one bothers to find out what the triggers are anymore.

Do you know why there are so many false alarms in Singapore? Here are some of the reasons.

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1. High Humidity

Singapore is no stranger to the stuffy air in a tropical environment. Surprisingly, water particles packed together in the air are similar to light smoke particles, and the detector may have mistaken the thick water vapour for a fire slowly growing in the building.

Unfortunately, it is difficult to negate the effects of the country’s humid weather, but the building might require efficient ventilation.

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2. Insects

As much as we hate having these irritating critters in the building, they go as they please. Occasionally one might find their way into the smoke detector and be the trigger of that horrible ringing.

Place one of those insect repellent devices near the detector, or around the building in general, to prevent these accidents or simply keep these creatures away.

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3. Chemical odors

Just like detecting moisture particles, a smoke detector may mistake those strong smells for smoke. If there is construction work ongoing, you might find that ammonia or paint carry potent smells that mess with your nose. Those are the kind of odours that might just trigger the alarm as well.

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4. Cigarette smoke

Sometimes, it’s as simple as that. Some careless person decides to light up near a smoke detector and cause the alarm to go off. If this happens time and again, chances are the building management will increase security patrol within the building to catch any unfortunate soul.

This is good to know if you’re a smoker who tends to smoke at staircases. You’re welcome!

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