Smoke Detector Program 

  There is a state law in Maryland that requires all homes to have smoke detectors. In Carroll County, all new homes or residential units and homes or residential units that are renovated by more than 50%, are required to have a smoke detector present on every floor including the basement (finished or unfinished) and in every bedroom. Each smoke detector is required to be hard-wired and inter-linked together so that if one smoke detector "alerts", ALL smoke detectors "alert". Another law in Carroll County requires the installation of "Residential Sprinklers" that follow the same guidelines for new or renovated homes or residential units, however, that will not be discussed in the section of the website.

How Does A Smoke Detector Work?

  There are a couple of ways smoke detectors "detect" smoke. Without getting too technical, they basically have a sensor inside of them that "senses" a change in atmosphere. If smoke, dust or even steam passes in front of the sensor, the detector will "alert". For more technical information on 'How Does A Smoke Detector Work?", we recommend that you enter this question into your favorite internet 'search' engine and check-out the miriade of results.

Putting Smoke Detectors In Your Home

  Many homes in Carroll County were built before the new laws took effect. The Union Bridge Fire Company encourages all homeowners to have at least one working smoke detector in their home, no matter what the age of the home or residential unit. There are a few guidelines that you should follow when deciding on a location and the mounting your smoke detectors.

• If you are going to install them, try to meet the current codes/laws for installation. You may not be able to inter- link them all together, however, you can mount them in the proper locations.
• Every floor, including the basement. Locate them near higher hazard areas, like at the entrance to the kitchen. Do not place them in the center of the kitchen or near the stove/oven. Smoke or steam from normal cooking can cause them to "alert".
• Consider placing a detector near your basement access door. If the basement access is near the kitchen, this would be a good place to locate the smoke detector.
• Every bedroom, preferably near the door, inside the room. If smoke passes through the cracks of the door, the smoke detector will "alert" before the fire becomes too large, hopefully giving you time to escape.
• For additional floors above ground level, consider placing the smoke detector at the top of the stairs. Smoke and heat rise. As smoke from the first floor rises, it will "alert" the upper floors smoke detector quickly, which will likely give you more time to escape.
• You can mount the smoke detector on walls but it is recommended that you mount them on the ceiling. If you do mount it on the wall, mount it as close to the ceiling as possible. Remember that smoke rises.
• DO NOT place them where there are obstructions like curtains, furniture, etc.

  If you are not sure where to mount your smoke detector(s) or need assistance in mounting a smoke detector, contact us by email at co8@ubfc8.org or call the fire station for assistance.

"Change Your Clocks, Change Your Batteries"

  By now, nearly everyone has heard about 'changing the batteries' in your smoke detectors when we change our clocks for daylight savings time. This is a great idea because it forces you to think about the safety of your family and your home. How much is your family worth to you? It costs less than $10 to change your batteries in your smoke detectors. Isn't the safety of your family worth that? Of course the are! So, now is a great time to talk about smoke detector maintenance. No, you can't just put them up and forget about them unless something goes wrong. There are a few things that you must do to make sure they work when they should.

• Change your batteries every 6 month's. Even if they are hard-wired to your electrical panel, they still have a battery back-up in case the power goes out.
• When you change your batteries, make sure to vacuum and dust the openings on the smoke detector. Dust can reduce the chance of smoke getting into the smoke detector, but it can also cause the smoke detector to "alert". Some may call this a malfunction, but it isn't. The detector recognized something passing over its sensor and it did exactly what it was supposed to do.
• After changing your batteries, make sure to push the 'test' button to make sure it "alerts". Never hold a match, candle or lighter to the smoke detector to see if it works. If the flame/heat gets too close, you may damage the detector rendering it useless. You may not even notice that you have damaged the detector. There are commercially available simulated smoke testers if you decide you would rather test it by not pushing the 'test' button.
• How often should you test the smoke detector? As often as you like, but not less than 2 times a year.
• If your smoke detector(s) is more than 10 years old, it's time for a replacement. Yes, each detector has a life expectancy and it is usually 10 years.
• If you hear them "chirp" every so often, it generally means that either the battery needs to be replaced or the detector itself needs to be replaced.
• Keep the instructions to your smoke detector(s) in a place where you will remember. These instruction may be helpful in determining a problem that you may be having. Many instructions include 'Troubleshooting' help. It is also a good idea to write the date of purchase on the instructions, although most smoke detectors have a manufactured date sticker on them.

Where Can You Get A Smoke Detector?

  You can purchase a smoke detector at any home improvement (Home Depot, Lowe's, etc.) or retail (Walmart, Target, etc.) store for less than $20. There are no particular brands that we recommend. Each smoke detector comes in a box that includes instructions for use, where to mount them and mounting hardware.

  If you have a smoke detector and are not sure where to mount it or you need assistance to mount a smoke detector you have purchased, please contact us at co8@ubfc8.org or call (410)775-7422 and we will gladly offer our assistance. The Union Bridge Fire Company will provide 'FREE' smoke detectors to those who are on a limited or fixed income. If you are in need of a smoke detector, please call the fire station or email us.