RESIDENTIAL SMOKE DETECTOR GIVEAWAY PROGRAM
Most fire fatalities take place with the home. One particular study reveals that two-thirds of all fire deaths in the United States occur within the 12 percent of households that have no smoke detectors. Early detection of any fire is important; however, the detection of smoke can make the difference between life and death. Smoke detectors are designed to warn occupants of various gases, in the form of smoke, which are extremely toxic to the human body and will cause respiratory arrest within minutes of exposure.
The Centre Region Council of Governments Code Administration Agency in Cooperation with the Alpha and Boalsburg Fire Companies Continue to offer the Residential Smoke Detector Giveaway Program. The program, which was started in 1994, is designed as an attempt to reduce the loss of life from accidental fires within the home by providing residential homeowners with a smoke detector and a battery at no charge. Trained fire personnel from the Alpha and Boalsburg Fire Companies will install and test the smoke detector(s) at no charge to the resident in accordance with code regulations and instructions supplied by the manufacturer.
The actual placement of a smoke detector in a home is very important. The hallway outside each sleeping area is the most advantageous location for proper protection. A detector should be mounted at the center of the ceiling and at least 3 feet from a air register. If placement on the ceiling can not be achieved, the detector may be mounted on an interior wall, 4 to 12 inches from the ceiling. In a multi-story dwelling, smoke detectors should be placed on every level, and in the vicinity of the basement stairs, if possible. The Centre Region Program will provide more than one detector per household if needed.
If you are a residential homeowner within the municipalities of College, Ferguson, Harris, Halfmoon, or Patton Townships, or the Borough of State College, please contact the Centre Region Code Administration office at 231-3056 to arrange for your FREE smoke detector.