Anti-ligature wireless speaker developed for lockdown alerts in care settings

by EvacuationFeatured NewsFire Detection

Luminite launches anti-ligature Alertex wireless speaker

Luminite has announced that its Alertex wireless speaker is now available in an anti-ligature enclosure.

The company said the development follows interest from several children’s care homes.

Alertex is a range of wireless speakers, call points and sounder/beacons designed to issue a clear and unambiguous alert in the event of a lockdown.

According to Luminite, the anti-ligature version ensures the Alertex system can be installed safely in environments where residents may have complex emotional or behavioural needs.

The company added that the product’s wireless design makes it suitable for multiple alert types, including lockdown, evacuation and invacuation procedures.

New law drives demand for clear alerts

Luminite said the launch aligns with the passing of Martyn’s Law in Parliament.

The legislation will require all public venues with a capacity of 200 or more people to demonstrate clear and unambiguous alerts for lockdown, evacuation and invacuation in the event of a terrorist attack.

According to the company, this will apply to around 280,000 venues by 2027.

These include schools, hospitals, hotels, leisure centres and museums, as well as children’s homes.

Understanding anti-ligature safety

The company explained that ‘ligature’ refers to a method of self-harm involving the use of cords, ropes or clothing tied around the body.

Anti-ligature measures are designed to remove or minimise points where such attachments could occur.

Luminite stated that children’s homes and certain schools require all installed equipment, such as door handles and fixtures, to meet anti-ligature standards.

The anti-ligature enclosure now allows these sites to adopt Alertex for lockdown alerts without compromising safety requirements.

Multi-use audio and message options

According to Luminite, the Alertex system can broadcast up to 15MB of pre-recorded messages using its IP Bridge interface.

This capacity allows for approximately ten 20-second messages that can include instructions, calming music or safety announcements in multiple languages.

The company said this flexibility supports broader communication needs beyond lockdown events.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The availability of an anti-ligature version of Luminite’s Alertex wireless speaker introduces a compliant alerting option for facilities where standard fittings pose safety risks.

For safety officers, facility managers and system specifiers working in schools, healthcare institutions and residential care environments, the product provides a practical means of meeting Martyn’s Law requirements while maintaining anti-ligature standards.

Procurement teams responsible for specifying lockdown and evacuation systems in regulated environments can now consider Alertex within their compliance strategies.

This development also demonstrates how wireless technologies can be adapted for both physical safety and mental health considerations in protected settings.

The Red Cross message every household needs this Fire Prevention Week

by EvacuationFeatured NewsFire Detection

Red Cross marks Fire Prevention Week with home fire safety advice

Fire Prevention Week focuses on home fire escape safety

The American Red Cross has marked Fire Prevention Week 2025 by urging US households to practise safe and rapid home fire escapes.

According to the organisation, home fires remain the leading cause of fire-related deaths in the US, claiming seven lives every day.

The Red Cross said home fires kill more people annually than all natural disasters combined.

This year’s campaign runs from Sunday 5 to Saturday 11 October and encourages families to plan and practise an escape that can be completed in under two minutes.

The Red Cross explained that fire experts believe people may have less than two minutes to safely exit a burning home once a smoke alarm sounds.

Red Cross offers practical safety guidance for households

The organisation shared several recommendations for creating and practising a home fire escape plan.

It advised that everyone in a household should know two escape routes from each room and agree on a meeting point outside, such as a neighbour’s home or a specific tree.

The Red Cross said residents should get low to avoid smoke and leave the property immediately, never going back inside for pets, belongings or other people.

Families are encouraged to time their practice drills to see how quickly everyone can exit.

Parents are also advised to teach children what a smoke alarm sounds like and to discuss what to do during a fire.

Regular smoke alarm checks and replacements urged

The Red Cross reminded households to install smoke alarms on every level of the home, including inside and outside all sleeping areas.

It said alarms should be tested every month, and batteries changed at least once a year where required.

The organisation added that smoke alarms over ten years old should be replaced, as their sensors become less sensitive with age.

It advised following the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and maintenance.

The Red Cross also highlighted the importance of checking the alarm’s manufacture date and ensuring it sounds three beeps when tested.

Red Cross Home Fire Campaign reports more than 2,400 lives saved

Since launching its Home Fire Campaign in October 2014, the Red Cross has worked with partners nationwide to install free smoke alarms and promote fire safety.

The organisation said the campaign has saved at least 2,489 lives by helping families prepare escape plans and install alarms in high-risk areas.

Households can request a free smoke alarm and learn more about the campaign at redcross.org/homefires.

Cooking and heating remain leading fire causes

The Red Cross said cooking continues to be the number one cause of home fires, followed by heating equipment.

It urged households to take steps to reduce risks from these sources and follow safety tips provided on its website.

This year, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is also drawing attention to the safe use of lithium-ion batteries, which power many consumer devices.

The NFPA said it is important for consumers to learn how to buy, charge and dispose of lithium batteries responsibly to prevent fire hazards.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

This campaign reinforces key priorities for community fire prevention officers, educators and public information managers.

It provides a clear model for effective risk communication around escape planning, smoke alarm maintenance and household fire prevention.

For building and housing professionals, it highlights ongoing challenges in residential fire safety awareness and the critical role of accessible smoke alarm installation programmes.

Fire service leaders and prevention teams may find the Red Cross approach valuable for local outreach and education, particularly in high-risk communities.

It also aligns with broader NFPA safety messaging on emerging domestic fire risks linked to lithium-ion batteries.

This article was informed by information from the following source: The American Red Cross

This wildfire evacuation checklist that could save lives this season

by Associations and OrganisationsEvacuationFeatured NewsWildland Fire

WFCA publishes wildfire evacuation guidance

The Western Fire Chiefs Association (WFCA) has released detailed guidance on what to do before, during and after a wildfire evacuation.

The WFCA said the aim is to help families, property owners and communities stay safe as wildfire seasons become longer and more frequent across the US.

The organisation explained that the best time to prepare for a wildfire evacuation is before one begins.

Its guide outlines essential preparation steps, evacuation procedures and safety checks for returning home after an evacuation.

Preparing for a wildfire evacuation

According to the WFCA, early preparation can make evacuation faster and safer when wildfire threats arise.

Households are advised to create an emergency ‘Go Bag’ containing essential supplies such as water, food, medication, cash and copies of important documents.

Each bag should include at least three gallons of water per person, three days’ worth of non-perishable food, a first aid kit and a flashlight powered by batteries.

The WFCA also recommended including pet food and water for animal companions.

Residents are urged to learn local evacuation routes and consider backup routes in case primary roads are blocked.

Plans should also include transportation for pets, livestock and service animals, along with accessible shelter options.

The WFCA said it is important to account for people in the household who may need extra assistance due to mobility, hearing or vision challenges.

Creating a communication and reunification plan with family members can prevent confusion if phone lines are down or household members are in different places during the evacuation.

What to do when an evacuation is issued

The WFCA explained that local authorities will use a three-level alert system for evacuation orders.

A Level 1 notice means ‘Ready’, Level 2 means ‘Set’, and Level 3 means ‘Go – Now!’.

Mandatory evacuation orders must be followed immediately, the organisation said.

When leaving a home, residents should close all doors, windows and vents to reduce radiant heat and drafts.

The WFCA advised switching on exterior and interior lights to make the home more visible in smoky conditions.

It also recommended moving flammable furniture indoors, filling large outdoor containers with water and turning off natural gas lines.

Homeowners should disconnect automatic garage door openers to allow for manual operation if power is lost.

The WFCA said that residents should check on neighbours who might struggle to evacuate and contact emergency services if anyone cannot leave on their own.

Returning home safely after an evacuation

Residents should only return once local authorities have confirmed that it is safe to do so.

The WFCA warned that hazards may remain even after a wildfire has passed.

Homeowners are advised to inspect their property carefully for damage and check for structural stability.

Utility companies should be contacted to report leaks or damaged infrastructure.

The WFCA said that landscaping should also be checked for falling trees or damaged fencing that could pose safety risks.

Homeowners are encouraged to document any property loss by taking photos or videos before contacting their insurance providers to begin the claims process.

Building long-term wildfire resilience

The WFCA said that fire-resistant landscaping and defensible space are key to reducing the risk of future wildfire damage.

Defensible space involves clearing combustible materials, using non-flammable building materials, and creating distance between vegetation and structures.

Techniques include removing debris, using stone or gravel for hardscaping, and selecting fire-resistant plants with high moisture content and deep roots.

The WFCA added that communities can further strengthen preparedness by developing a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP).

CWPPs are collaborative strategies developed by residents, local agencies and government bodies to address wildfire risks specific to their area.

The WFCA advised residents to register for local wildfire alert systems and stay informed through official communication channels.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

Wildfire evacuation preparedness and recovery planning are directly relevant for fire and rescue services, emergency management professionals and local government safety planners.

The WFCA guidance offers structured evacuation procedures that align with community protection strategies used by incident commanders and emergency planners.

Its recommendations on defensible space and fire-resistant landscaping provide practical measures that can reduce risk for property owners and support prevention work led by fire departments.

Emergency managers, fire chiefs and local authority safety officers can reference this material when updating public education campaigns and community wildfire protection plans.

Building and landscape engineers involved in wildfire-prone regions may also use the guidance to support resilience-focused design and planning.

This article was informed by information from the following source: The Western Fire Chiefs Association (WFCA)