Smoke Detectors
The Niles Fire Department has purchased smoke detectors through
the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Our
newest smoke detectors have Lithium Batteries that can operate for
up to 10 years!! We'd
like to ensure that every home owner has enough good and working
smoke detectors in their home. Protect your family and your
property. Let us replace outdated smoke detectors or ensure that you
have enough of them in your home. There is no cost for this
service. Call the Niles City Fire Department at 269-683-0160.
One of our firefighters will come out to assess your need and
install smoke detectors for you. For more information on smoke
detectors, see below.
DOES YOUR HOME HAVE ENOUGH SMOKE DETECTORS?
Many of us know by now that our families stand a much better chance of surviving a fire when there are working smoke detectors properly installed in our homes. Though we here at the fire department still occasionally see homes without detectors, it is getting much rarer than a decade ago. But we
sometimes still see detectors without batteries or detectors that are outdated and should be replaced. Sometimes also, due to improper placement, detectors are triggered when cooking or because of shower steam. These detectors often have their batteries removed,
which should never be done. The problem can be easily remedied by simply moving these smoke detectors to alternate locations.
Another well known and extremely important issue is that batteries should be tested regularly and changed every 6-12 months. Keep in mind as you are changing batteries that newer detectors may be equipped with Lithium batteries that last the full ten years without replacement. Something that is not so well known is that detectors are only recommended for 10 years of use. After that period of time they lose substantial
ability to sense smoke and sound an alarm.
Finally, one detector is not enough to provide safety. Since we never really know where the fire will start its important that we have
detectors located in several areas of the home. The International Property Maintenance Code requires a detector be located outside each bedroom and on every level of your home. This means that you must have one in the basement and finished attics as well. A recent addition to the code also requires detectors be placed inside each sleeping room as well. Many fire deaths have occurred inside bedrooms with closed doors, which prohibits the detector in the hallway from sending an alarm. If you have questions regarding the safe installation, operation or use of smoke
detectors, please don’t hesitate to contact the City of Niles Fire Department at 683-0160.
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