Fire safety

Fire alarm

A fire alarm is a legal requirement for every apartment. By law, there must be at least one fire alarm for every 60 square metres of floor space on each floor of a dwelling. A dwelling of more than 60 square metres must therefore have at least two fire alarms. It is recommended that separate alarms be installed in each bedroom and in the hallway of the dwelling.

In the past, it was the tenant who was responsible for the purchase of the fire alarm. However, in VAV properties built in 2010 and later, the rental apartments are equipped with pre-wired fire alarms. Following a change in the law, VAV will be responsible for the installation of fire alarms. Installation has started in 2024, and from 2026 onwards all VAV’s apartments will be equipped with fire alarms by VAV. Regardless of whether the fire alarm is purchased by the tenant or installed in the dwelling, it is the responsibility of the tenant to ensure that the device works and to replace the batteries.

It is a good idea to check once a month that the fire alarm is working by pressing the alarm test button. The battery should be changed once a year, a good date is 11 February. The date to remember is that it is the same as the general alarm number 112.

Check your fire alarm:

• Fit your fire alarm on the ceiling about half a metre away from the wall.
• Test your fire alarm regularly, at least once a month.
• Replace the battery immediately if the fire alarm starts to beep.
• Change the battery at least once a year.
• Remember spare batteries.
• Replace your fire alarm if it stops working.

A fire alarm connected to the mains

In VAV’s properties built from 2010 onwards, all apartments have fire alarms connected to the mains. If there is any errors, please contact VAV customer service.

Rescue plan

A dedicated rescue plan (in Finnish) has been drawn up for each VAV property. The plan describes the safety arrangements of the property and provides instructions on how to act in case of a fire or other emergencies. You will find the rescue plan of your building (in Finnish) on OmaVAV service. The electronic rescue plan on the site will enable you to send your observations regarding the safety of your building to VAV.