A KIND-HEARTED electrician from Dumbarton has been installing free smoke alarms for vulnerable people.

Alger Electrics & Alarms Ltd employee Michael Devoy installed the alarm systems for vulnerable residents as part of a national goodwill initiative to ensure householders comply with new regulations.

The recipients are vulnerable older and disabled people who have been identified by Care and Repair Scotland, the charity which helps householders improve or adapt a home which is no longer suitable.

Michael, volunteering in the Alarms Ambassadors campaign, has also shown the householders how to operate the new system safely.

He said: “We are only too happy to assist with the campaign, which will help to highlight the importance of domestic alarms in keeping people safe and reducing fire deaths across Scotland.

“Having compliant alarms installed by professional qualified electricians will contribute towards peace of mind for residents, and Alger Electrics & Alarms Ltd is delighted to be able to help some of the most vulnerable people in our society.”

The new government standard requires that all homes in Scotland must have a smoke alarm on every storey.

This includes hallways and landings, a smoke alarm in the most frequented part of the house, such as the lounge, a heat alarm in the kitchen and a carbon monoxide alarm wherever there is a fuel burning appliance.

Alan Wilson, managing director of SELECT, the trade association for the electrical contracting industry in Scotland, said: “We are grateful to Michael for volunteering to take part in the Alarm Ambassadors initiative.

“The campaign is designed to help those in genuine need – and remind the public of the importance of using compliant products, installed by qualified electricians where possible, to meet the new legislation which came into effect on February 1.

“Householders can quickly find their nearest electrical contractor on the SELECT website at www.select.org.uk and members will be able to advise on design, installation and commissioning, as well as providing required certification.”

The campaign will see electricians install tamper-proof long-life lithium battery Aico alarms that are sealed, wireless and interlinked in line with the regulations.

A completion certificate will also be issued once the work has been completed.