Smoke Alarm Safety Tips

Working smoke alarms are one of the most important tools for ensuring fire safety in your home. They provide a critical early warning to a fire, giving you vital minutes to escape and increasing your chances of survival. Follow these safety tips to ensure your smoke alarms are functioning properly and providing maximum protection:

Installation Tips:

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, in each bedroom, and outside each sleeping area (such as a hallway).
• Never disconnect or remove the batteries from smoke alarms, even temporarily.
• Use the hush feature of the alarm to silence nuisance alarms (e.g., from cooking smoke).

Fire Escape Plan:

• Make a fire escape plan and practice it with all family members.
• Practice your escape plan at least twice a year, at different times of day and night, to ensure everyone is prepared.
• Special consideration should be given to children, older adults, and individuals with disabilities. Ensure someone is designated to help them wake up and safely evacuate in case of a fire.

Testing and Maintenance:

To ensure your smoke alarms are in good working order, follow these steps:

• Test the alarm regularly by pressing the test button to ensure the battery is working.
• Inspect your alarms for age. Smoke alarms should be replaced if they are 10 years old or older. Look for a date on the back of the alarm; if there’s no date, it is likely older than 10 years and should be replaced.
• Clean your alarms regularly by following the manufacturer's instructions to remove dust and cobwebs.
• When replacing batteries, make sure to use the correct type, as specified by the manufacturer.
• Retest your alarms after installing new batteries to ensure they are functioning properly.
• If your smoke alarm fails to operate after replacing the battery, it’s time to replace the alarm.

By following these simple steps, you can help protect your family from the dangers of fire and ensure that your smoke alarms are always ready to provide the protection you need.

Smoke Alarms and Installation Services

Hoodland Fire District offers free smoke alarms and installation services for residents within the Hoodland Fire District boundaries.

If you would like to request a smoke alarm or installation, please fill out the form below, and a representative will contact you to schedule a time for installation.

Note: This service is available only to residents within the Hoodland Fire District boundaries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Where should I install smoke alarms?

A. Smoke alarms must be installed in the following locations:

• In each sleeping room (as required by the State Building Code at the time of construction).
• In the corridor or area giving access to sleeping areas.
• Outside of all bedrooms, within 21 feet of the bedroom doors.
• On every level of the home, including the basement.
• If your home has sleeping areas on multiple levels or widely separated, you may need additional smoke alarms to ensure all areas are covered.

For upper-level sleeping areas, install the smoke alarm in an accessible location close to the center of the ceiling, directly over the stairway.

Note: Smoke alarms should always be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Additional Information:

• Smoke alarm installation is required when selling or renting a home.

Q. Are smoke alarms required on every level of the home?

A. Yes. Smoke alarms are required on each level of the home, including the basement.

Q. Are smoke alarms required in all bedrooms?

A. Smoke alarms must be installed in each sleeping room based on the State Building Code requirements at the time of construction.

However, the Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) recommends adding smoke alarms to each bedroom or any other areas used for sleeping to provide increased protection.

Note: Some local ordinances may have additional requirements, so it's important to check your local codes.