Fire Safety Inspection

Fire safety is an important part of any home inspection. Our focus is on identifying basic safety concerns and highlighting visible risks that could increase the chance of fire. This includes simple checks such as smoke detectors, extinguishers, fireplaces, and visible electrical or heating risks. Our goal is to give homeowners clear information so they can take further action if needed.

Smoke Detectors

We check for the presence and location of smoke detectors in key areas such as bedrooms, hallways, and kitchens. If a test button is available, we press it to confirm basic operation. Any visible signs of damage are also noted.

Fire Extinguishers:

Check the presence of fire extinguishers in accessible and appropriate areas, such as the kitchen or garage. - Inspect expiration dates and overall condition of fire extinguishers.

Electrical Safety:

Basic electrical safety forms part of our fire risk checks. We look for visible signs of overheating or damage at the main board and also use a thermal imaging camera to highlight abnormal heat.

Heating Systems and Appliances

We carry out a basic visual check of fireplaces, chimneys, stoves, and other fixed heating appliances. We look for obvious signs of damage, blockages, or poor ventilation that may present a fire risk.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – FIRE SAFETY – CASCAIS

QUESTION: WHAT DOES A FIRE SAFETY INSPECTION INCLUDE?ANSWER: A fire safety inspection checks smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, fireplaces, chimneys, stoves, heating appliances, and visible electrical or heating risks. It identifies hazards such as overheating components, missing safety devices, blockages, poor ventilation, or damaged equipment that could increase fire risk.

QUESTION: WHY ARE SMOKE DETECTORS IMPORTANT IN MY HOME?ANSWER: Smoke detectors provide early warning in the event of a fire and are essential for safety. An inspection checks their presence, location, test functionality, and any visible damage. Many older Cascais homes lack adequate detectors.

QUESTION: WHY IS MY SMOKE DETECTOR BEEPING OR CHIRPING?ANSWER: Beeping usually indicates a low battery, end-of-life detector, dust contamination, or poor connection. It may also signal a faulty sensor. An inspection verifies the cause and ensures proper placement and operation.

QUESTION: HOW OFTEN SHOULD I TEST MY SMOKE DETECTORS?ANSWER: Smoke detectors should be tested at least once a month and replaced every 7–10 years depending on the model. Inspections help determine whether your detectors are functioning correctly.

QUESTION: WHY IS A FIRE EXTINGUISHER REQUIRED IN CERTAIN AREAS OF THE HOME?ANSWER: Fire extinguishers provide immediate response to small fires, especially in kitchens, garages, and utility rooms. Inspections check accessibility, condition, expiration date, and whether the correct type is installed.

QUESTION: WHAT CAUSES FIRE EXTINGUISHERS TO FAIL OR BECOME UNSAFE?ANSWER: Extinguishers may fail if they are expired, corroded, damaged, depressurized, or improperly stored. An inspection checks pressure, condition, and compliance with basic safety expectations.

QUESTION: WHY IS ELECTRICAL SAFETY IMPORTANT FOR FIRE PREVENTION?ANSWER: Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, loose terminals, overheated breakers, and damaged outlets are major fire hazards. Electrical safety checks look for overheating, visible damage, and use thermal imaging to detect abnormal heat patterns.

QUESTION: WHY DOES MY ELECTRICAL PANEL OR OUTLETS FEEL WARM OR SMELL LIKE BURNING?ANSWER: Warm or burning smells indicate electrical resistance, loose connections, or overloaded circuits — all serious fire risks. Immediate inspection is recommended.

QUESTION: WHAT MAKES FIREPLACES OR CHIMNEYS UNSAFE?ANSWER: Fireplaces become unsafe when flues are blocked, chimneys are cracked, ventilation is poor, or soot buildup restricts airflow. These conditions allow smoke and heat to leak into the home or cause chimney fires.

QUESTION: WHY DOES MY WOOD-BURNING STOVE OR FIREPLACE SMOKE INTO THE ROOM?ANSWER: Smoke entering the room is often caused by poor draft, blocked chimneys, negative air pressure, or improper installation. Inspections check ventilation and blockages.

QUESTION: WHAT CAUSES HEATING APPLIANCES TO OVERHEAT OR BECOME FIRE HAZARDS?ANSWER: Overheating occurs when appliances are damaged, improperly vented, clogged with dust, or have failing components. Thermal imaging detects hotspots and helps identify areas of concern.

QUESTION: HOW OFTEN SHOULD FIRE SAFETY EQUIPMENT BE INSPECTED?ANSWER: Annually, or sooner if you notice unusual smells, heat, or malfunctioning appliances. Fire safety equipment in high-risk areas like kitchens should be checked more frequently.

QUESTION: SHOULD I GET A FIRE SAFETY INSPECTION BEFORE BUYING A HOME?ANSWER: Yes. Many homes — especially older ones — lack working smoke detectors, have outdated electrics, unsafe fireplaces, or expired extinguishers. A fire safety inspection helps ensure the property is safe.