HOMEOWNERS in East Lothian are being urged to adapt their fire alarm systems in line with new laws in Scotland.

All homeowners in the county should prepare to adapt their home to meet the new fire alarm standard by February 2022.

Every home will be required to have one smoke alarm in the room in which people spend most time, one smoke alarm in every circulation space on each floor of the home – such as hallways and landings – and one heat alarm in the kitchen.

All smoke and heat alarms should be mounted on the ceiling and be interlinked, but can be battery or mains operated.

For homes with carbon-fuelled appliances – such as a boiler, fire, heater or flue – a carbon monoxide detector must be installed but does not need to be linked to the fire alarms.

The approximate cost of new alarms for each household, excluding installation, is £220.

Individuals concerned about the cost of the work should contact Care & Repair East Lothian, based in Haddington, which assists older and disabled homeowners living in poor housing conditions who do not have the financial resources or technical expertise required to deal with housing disrepair.

Care & Repair East Lothian is working with the Scottish Government to administer funding to assist with the new fire alarm legislation.

This could mean an upgrade to the alarms free of charge.

Angela Brunton, Care & Repair manager, said: “We are pleased to be administering the fire alarms assistance package for lower-income older and disabled homeowners.

“This funding will support our overall aim to help homeowners live independently and safely at home for as long as possible.”

For more information, call 01620 828445 or email enquiries@careandrepaireastlothian.co.uk