Smoke Alarms

Property Owner Photoelectric Smoke Alarm Inspection Form

On Wednesday 2/27/13, legislation requiring all rental properties have photoelectric smoke alarms installed outside the structure’s sleeping quarters was passed by Cincinnati City Council. In addition to this, rental property owners are now required to inspect the photoelectric smoke alarms annually and when executing a new lease agreements, and document their findings on the Cincinnati Fire Department’s Property Owner Photoelectric Smoke Alarm Inspection Form or a similar document. Such document must contain the information that is on the Cincinnati Fire Department’s Property Owner Photoelectric Smoke Alarm Inspection Form.

The Cincinnati Fire Department’s Property Owner Photoelectric Smoke Alarm Inspection Form can be obtained by clicking on Inspection Form.

It is recommended the document or a similar document be posted in the building’s boiler room or furnace room at all times. Cincinnati Fire Inspectors and Community Development Building Officials will check the records when inspecting the property.

In all cases, rental property smoke alarm records shall be provided to the City of Fire Official and/or Building Department upon demand.

Guidance on Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms Installations

Install smoke alarms inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement.
Larger homes may need additional smoke alarms to provide adequate protection.
The best protection is provided by interconnect all smoke alarms so that when one sounds they all sound.
An ionization smoke alarm is generally more responsive to flaming fires, and a photoelectric smoke alarm is generally more responsive to smoldering fires. For the best protection, both types of alarms or combination ionization and photoelectric alarms (also known as dual sensor alarms) are recommended.
Smoke alarms should be installed away from the kitchen to prevent false alarms. Generally, they should be at least 10 feet from a cooking appliance.
Carbon monoxide alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home and in other locations where required by applicable laws, codes or standards.
For the best protection, interconnect all carbon monoxide alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement and mounting height.
Choose a carbon monoxide alarm that has the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
Test the carbon monoxide alarms at least once a month; replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If the alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Make sure everyone inside the home is accounted for. Call for help from a fresh air location and stay there until emergency personnel arrives.
If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Do not run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if the garage door(s) are open. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not covered with snow.
During and after a snowstorm, make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow build-up.
A generator should be used in a well-ventilated location outdoors away from windows, doors and vent openings.
Gas or charcoal grills can produce carbon monoxide – only use outside.
If you are in need of a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm – please contact the Cincinnati Fire Department’s Division of Fire Prevention at 513-357-7585.

Cincinnati Fire Department Mission Statement

"The mission of the Cincinnati Fire Department is to protect lives and property, and to minimize the suffering of its customers during emergencies. The Cincinnati Fire Department strives to quickly restore normalcy to its customers' lives by responding to their needs in an expeditious manner."

The Cincinnati Fire Department was organized in 1853 and is the nation's oldest fully paid professional fire department, which is why we are proud to be "First in the Nation."

The CFD continues to seek new methods and ideas to improve and increase the level of services provided to the citizens of this community. It will continue to provide its hallmark prompt, courteous and professional service that is consistent with the CFD’s tradition and the City of Cincinnati’s high standards.