Smoke Alarms
According to the US Fire Administration: "A properly installed and maintained smoke alarm is the only thing in your home that can alert you and your family to a fire 24 hours a day, seven days a week... almost two-thirds of home fire deaths resulted from fires in properties without working smoke alarms. A working smoke alarm significantly increases your chances of surviving a deadly home fire."
https://www.safety.com/smoke-detector-placement/
Download the WFPD Smoke Alarm Brochure
New Smoke Detector Requirements
It has been brought to our attention that there is still some confusion regarding the new smoke alarm requirements. We would like to provide the following clarification.
For Consumers/End Users:
- Existing installed operable/in working condition smoke alarms are NOT required to be replaced.
- For all dwelling units intended for human occupancy for which a building permit is issued on or after January 1, 2014, for alterations, repairs, or additions exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), the permit issuer shall not sign off on the completion of work until the permittee demonstrates that all smoke alarms required for the dwelling unit are devices approved and listed by OSFM.
- By January 1, 2016, owners of a dwelling unit intended for human occupancy in which one or more units is rented or leased shall install additional smoke alarm, as needed, to ensure that smoke alarms are located in compliance with current building standards. Existing alarms installed need not be replaced unless the alarm is inoperable.
For other questions relating to this new law or the placement of the devices, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
For more information please visit our website http://osfm.fire.ca.gov
Minimum Requirements for Smoke Alarm Placement:
- In every sleeping room
- Outside each sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms
- On each additional story of the dwelling, including basements
- Per the manufacturers specification
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms
Carbon monoxide poisoning is the leading cause of accidental deaths in the United States. Installing a carbon monoxide alarm that is approved by the CA State Fire Marshal is the first step in protecting your family from carbon monoxide poisoning which can cause sudden sudden illness and death.
As of July 1, 2011 for all single-family homes and January 1, 2013 for multi-family residences, California Senate Bill 183 requires the installation of carbon monoxide(CO) alarms in all dwelling units that contain fossil fuel burning heaters, appliances, or fireplaces. Combined smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are acceptable, but all alarms must be approved and listed by the California State Fire Marshal.
https://www.cdc.gov/co/faqs.htm
Minimum Requirements for Carbon Monoxide Alarm Placement:
- Outside of each seperate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedroom(s)
- On every level of a residence including basements
- Per the manufacturers specification
Click on the link for more information on proper placement of Carbon Monoxide Alarms