Who needs smoke alarms?

Every residential building requires smoke alarms throughout. Smoke alarms are required by law and any owner who fails to install them can be subject to a fine of $100 per day for each detector. Additionally, anyone who tampers with smoke alarms can be subject to a fine of $500. Smoke alarms are the single most important means of preventing house and apartment fire fatalities, by providing an early warning signal.

Smoke alarms are a family's best defense against fire.

You never know when you'll need them most!

Where do you put smoke alarms?

Every residence requires a smoke alarm near every sleeping area. If bedrooms are in separate areas, more than one smoke alarm will be necessary. Every level in residential buildings require a minimum of one smoke alarm. This detector should be located near the stairwell if there are no bedrooms, such as in a basement. Every building that houses 2 or more families must have an alarm installed at the top of every stairwell.

Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire nearly in half!

How should I install a smoke alarm?

Heat and smoke from a fire rises to the top of a room very quickly. The best place to put your smoke alarm is in the center of the ceiling. Smoke alarms should NEVER be placed in the corner of a room. At least 4" from any corners is necessary.

Ninety percent of fire deaths involving children occur in homes without smoke alarms. Many of these deaths could be avoided with working smoke alarms.

This bulletin for informational purposes only. Contact the Fire Marshal's office if you have further questions.