Common Facts 

• The cause of most fire deaths is smoke - not flames 
• Most fire deaths and injuries occur between midnight and 8 a.m. when people are asleep 
• Seconds count! You will have less than five (5) minutes to escape your home in the event of a fire 
• The earlier a smoke alarm alerts you to a fire, the more time you and your family have to escape 

The Bend Fire & Rescue reminds everyone that a working smoke alarm can save your life in the event of a fire. Make sure your smoke alarms are working properly is a quick way to help ensure the safety of yourself and your family in the event of a fire.  

Need help with your alarms - Bend Fire & Rescue offers free assistance for smoke and CO alarms

Bend Fire & Rescue has several programs aimed directly at ensuring every home has at least one working smoke alarm and to provide education about smoke alarms. Please call our office to set up a free home safety visit by calling 541-322-6386. 

• Are you selling your house? When you sell your home all of your smoke and CO alarms need to be compliant with Oregon law. We can assist for free in making sure they are compliant and help replace older alarms so you are ready to put the house on the market. 

• Are your alarms older than 10 years? Smoke alarms are designed to last about 10 years, after that they can start malfunctioning or not working at all. We can help check your alarms and ensure they are working properly. If they need to be replaced, we can assist for free. 

• We can provide specific help with those with hearing impartments through our Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program - A FREE program to assist those with hearing limitations obtain the correct smoke alarms to ensure they have the means to be alerted to a fire in their home. 

• Safety Outreach for Seniors - A FREE safety program provided by the City of Bend Fire & Rescue helps you uncover harmful conditions in and around your home that may place you, your guests and pets at risk of injury or even death. 

More information on smoke alarm use, installation and maintenance: 

What do I do if my smoke alarm goes off and there is a fire?

Get out and stay out!

Never go back inside for people, pets or belongings. Call 911 and ensure everyone has gotten out safely. 

How do I keep my smoke alarm working?

• Test smoke alarms monthly. Replace batteries or the unit itself it if isn't working during testing.
• Replace the batteries in hardwired alarms annually. This will cut down on the chances chirping alarms and ensure your alarm will still work even if you lose power. 
• Clean smoke alarms regularly to remove dust and cobwebs. You can use a vacuum or a can of compressed air to accomplish this. 
• Never disconnect or remove smoke alarm batteries for other uses. 
• Replace alarm or battery based on the alarm type. (Hardwired have a normal 9V battery in them, replace annually. Battery only units have a 10 year battery in them and don't need to be replaced)

What do I do if my smoke alarm goes off and it is a false alarm? 

• Do not disable smoke alarms when activated by cooking or other non-fire causes.
• Use the smoke alarm’s hush feature if available.
• Open windows and doors to clear smoke from your home
• Call your local fire department for assistance if you cannot get the alarm to reset or need assistance in determining what to do next.

Here are some common questions asked about smoke alarms: 

When is it required that I replace my alarms that are over 10 years old? 

• When you sell your home, Oregon Law requires that all smoke alarms be in compliance with the manufactures guidelines or after 10 years of age and installed as per the laws at the time of construction. All manufactures suggest replacement after 10 years old. So before you put your home on the market, be sure to check the alarm for the manufacture date. 
• Also when you rent your home own either as a long term rental, short term rental or VRBO, your smoke alarms need to comply with Oregon Law. 

How do I know how old my alarm is?

• On the back of the alarm should be a stamped manufacture date. That is the date we compare against to determine how old the alarm is. If there is no date printed, the alarm is much older than 10 years and needs to be replaced. 

If I own my home and aren't selling or renting, am I required to replace my alarms?

• No, the only requirement is when you sell or rent your home out. If you are living in the home you can do as you please but the Bend Fire & Rescue high recommends following the manufactures suggestion of replacing your alarms after 10 years. Working smoke alarms more than doubles your chances of surviving a house fire. 

Whats the best way to replace the older hardwired alarms?

• If at all possible, get new hardwired alarms that come with adapters or get adapters when you purchase the new alarms. This way you won't need to do any rewiring when you go to install the new alarms. Most manufactures make a set that comes with adapters and this will be marked on the box. There are also adapter kits for sale at most retailers. 

Can the fire department help me figure out my needs, guide me to what I need to get and help me install my alarms? 

• Yes we can! We are more than happy to come out and meet you at your home and find out your best options for updating your alarms. We can guide you on different options for alarms, adapters, etc. And then we can assist installing your new alarms as long as we are either using the existing plug or using adapters. We are unable to do any wiring for customers, but we can usually resolve the installation without any wiring needs. Just give our main office a call 541-322-6300 and schedule an appointment. 

Information for Home Owners and Occupants: 

Smoke alarms save lives! Ensure you smoke alarm(s) are working properly at all times. If your smoke alarm goes off for unknown reasons, find the problem and a solution instead of just removing the alarm from service. A smoke alarm in a drawer does not protect your family from a fire. If your home is older and only has one smoke alarm in the home, consider adding more to better protect yourself and your family. Ensure everyone in the home knows what the smoke alarms sound like and what to do in the event they go off. Have an escape plan for your family. Practice that plan so everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency. 

Information for Renters:

The owner/manager of the rental shall provide you with a working smoke alarm upon moving in and replace the smoke alarm if malfunctioning. It shall be the responsibility of the tenant of any rental dwelling unit to perform such tests on the smoke alarms or smoke detectors located in a part of the dwelling unit that the tenant is entitled to occupy to the exclusion of others as are recommended by the manufacturers instructions and immediately notify, in writing, the owner or authorized agent of any deficiencies. Testing intervals shall not exceed six months. It shall also be the responsibility of the tenant during the tenancy to replace any dead batteries, as needed. (ORS 475.270 and 475.275). No tenant or person shall remove or tamper with a properly functioning smoke alarm or smoke detector installed in conformance with ORS, which includes removing the batteries. (ORS 475.300) Landlords can charge up to a $250 fee for non-compliance of these sections as per (ORS 479.990). More tenant/landlord laws are found under Chapter 90 of the ORS. 

Information for the Landlord:

The owner of any rental dwelling unit or the owners authorized agent shall be responsible for supplying, installing and maintaining the required smoke alarms or smoke detectors and shall provide a written notice containing instructions for testing of the devices. The notice shall be given to the tenant at the time the tenant first takes possession of the premises. The duty of the owner or authorized agent of the owner to maintain the required smoke alarms or smoke detectors, including providing working batteries, arises only: (a) Prior to the beginning of every new tenancy when the tenant first takes possession of the premises; and (b) During the tenancy upon written notice from the tenant of any deficiency. Supplying and maintaining a smoke alarm or smoke detector under ORS 479.250 to 479.305 shall be considered a habitable condition under ORS 90.320 (Landlord to maintain premises in habitable condition). Battery replacement is the tenants responsibility as per ORS 479.275. (ORS 475.270 and 475.275) Landlords can charge up to a $250 fee for none compliance of these sections as per (ORS 479.990). More tenant/landlord laws are found under Chapter 90 of the ORS.

Information for New Construction:

Homes built or remodeled since 1997 are required to have a smoke alarm on every floor of the home, in every sleeping room and outside of every sleeping room within 21 feet of the doorway. (OAR 837-045-0050) If you remodel, the area affected by the remodel shall meet this standard. These smoke alarms shall be hardwired with a battery backup and interconnected so when one detects smoke, they all alarm. Check with your local building department for more details on what is required. 

Common Facts 

• The cause of most fire deaths is smoke - not flames 
• Most fire deaths and injuries occur between midnight and 8 a.m. when people are asleep 
• Seconds count! You will have less than five (5) minutes to escape your home in the event of a fire 
• The earlier a smoke alarm alerts you to a fire, the more time you and your family have to escape 

The Bend Fire & Rescue reminds everyone that a working smoke alarm can save your life in the event of a fire. Make sure your smoke alarms are working properly is a quick way to help ensure the safety of yourself and your family in the event of a fire.  

Need help with your alarms - Bend Fire & Rescue offers free assistance for smoke and CO alarms

Bend Fire & Rescue has several programs aimed directly at ensuring every home has at least one working smoke alarm and to provide education about smoke alarms. Please call our office to set up a free home safety visit by calling 541-322-6386. 

• Are you selling your house? When you sell your home all of your smoke and CO alarms need to be compliant with Oregon law. We can assist for free in making sure they are compliant and help replace older alarms so you are ready to put the house on the market. 

• Are your alarms older than 10 years? Smoke alarms are designed to last about 10 years, after that they can start malfunctioning or not working at all. We can help check your alarms and ensure they are working properly. If they need to be replaced, we can assist for free. 

• We can provide specific help with those with hearing impartments through our Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program - A FREE program to assist those with hearing limitations obtain the correct smoke alarms to ensure they have the means to be alerted to a fire in their home. 

• Safety Outreach for Seniors - A FREE safety program provided by the City of Bend Fire & Rescue helps you uncover harmful conditions in and around your home that may place you, your guests and pets at risk of injury or even death. 

More information on smoke alarm use, installation and maintenance: 

What do I do if my smoke alarm goes off and there is a fire?

Get out and stay out!

Never go back inside for people, pets or belongings. Call 911 and ensure everyone has gotten out safely. 

How do I keep my smoke alarm working?

• Test smoke alarms monthly. Replace batteries or the unit itself it if isn't working during testing.
• Replace the batteries in hardwired alarms annually. This will cut down on the chances chirping alarms and ensure your alarm will still work even if you lose power. 
• Clean smoke alarms regularly to remove dust and cobwebs. You can use a vacuum or a can of compressed air to accomplish this. 
• Never disconnect or remove smoke alarm batteries for other uses. 
• Replace alarm or battery based on the alarm type. (Hardwired have a normal 9V battery in them, replace annually. Battery only units have a 10 year battery in them and don't need to be replaced)

What do I do if my smoke alarm goes off and it is a false alarm? 

• Do not disable smoke alarms when activated by cooking or other non-fire causes.
• Use the smoke alarm’s hush feature if available.
• Open windows and doors to clear smoke from your home
• Call your local fire department for assistance if you cannot get the alarm to reset or need assistance in determining what to do next.

Here are some common questions asked about smoke alarms: 

When is it required that I replace my alarms that are over 10 years old? 

• When you sell your home, Oregon Law requires that all smoke alarms be in compliance with the manufactures guidelines or after 10 years of age and installed as per the laws at the time of construction. All manufactures suggest replacement after 10 years old. So before you put your home on the market, be sure to check the alarm for the manufacture date. 
• Also when you rent your home own either as a long term rental, short term rental or VRBO, your smoke alarms need to comply with Oregon Law. 

How do I know how old my alarm is?

• On the back of the alarm should be a stamped manufacture date. That is the date we compare against to determine how old the alarm is. If there is no date printed, the alarm is much older than 10 years and needs to be replaced. 

If I own my home and aren't selling or renting, am I required to replace my alarms?

• No, the only requirement is when you sell or rent your home out. If you are living in the home you can do as you please but the Bend Fire & Rescue high recommends following the manufactures suggestion of replacing your alarms after 10 years. Working smoke alarms more than doubles your chances of surviving a house fire. 

Whats the best way to replace the older hardwired alarms?

• If at all possible, get new hardwired alarms that come with adapters or get adapters when you purchase the new alarms. This way you won't need to do any rewiring when you go to install the new alarms. Most manufactures make a set that comes with adapters and this will be marked on the box. There are also adapter kits for sale at most retailers. 

Can the fire department help me figure out my needs, guide me to what I need to get and help me install my alarms? 

• Yes we can! We are more than happy to come out and meet you at your home and find out your best options for updating your alarms. We can guide you on different options for alarms, adapters, etc. And then we can assist installing your new alarms as long as we are either using the existing plug or using adapters. We are unable to do any wiring for customers, but we can usually resolve the installation without any wiring needs. Just give our main office a call 541-322-6300 and schedule an appointment. 

Information for Home Owners and Occupants: 

Smoke alarms save lives! Ensure you smoke alarm(s) are working properly at all times. If your smoke alarm goes off for unknown reasons, find the problem and a solution instead of just removing the alarm from service. A smoke alarm in a drawer does not protect your family from a fire. If your home is older and only has one smoke alarm in the home, consider adding more to better protect yourself and your family. Ensure everyone in the home knows what the smoke alarms sound like and what to do in the event they go off. Have an escape plan for your family. Practice that plan so everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency. 

Information for Renters:

The owner/manager of the rental shall provide you with a working smoke alarm upon moving in and replace the smoke alarm if malfunctioning. It shall be the responsibility of the tenant of any rental dwelling unit to perform such tests on the smoke alarms or smoke detectors located in a part of the dwelling unit that the tenant is entitled to occupy to the exclusion of others as are recommended by the manufacturers instructions and immediately notify, in writing, the owner or authorized agent of any deficiencies. Testing intervals shall not exceed six months. It shall also be the responsibility of the tenant during the tenancy to replace any dead batteries, as needed. (ORS 475.270 and 475.275). No tenant or person shall remove or tamper with a properly functioning smoke alarm or smoke detector installed in conformance with ORS, which includes removing the batteries. (ORS 475.300) Landlords can charge up to a $250 fee for non-compliance of these sections as per (ORS 479.990). More tenant/landlord laws are found under Chapter 90 of the ORS. 

Information for the Landlord:

The owner of any rental dwelling unit or the owners authorized agent shall be responsible for supplying, installing and maintaining the required smoke alarms or smoke detectors and shall provide a written notice containing instructions for testing of the devices. The notice shall be given to the tenant at the time the tenant first takes possession of the premises. The duty of the owner or authorized agent of the owner to maintain the required smoke alarms or smoke detectors, including providing working batteries, arises only: (a) Prior to the beginning of every new tenancy when the tenant first takes possession of the premises; and (b) During the tenancy upon written notice from the tenant of any deficiency. Supplying and maintaining a smoke alarm or smoke detector under ORS 479.250 to 479.305 shall be considered a habitable condition under ORS 90.320 (Landlord to maintain premises in habitable condition). Battery replacement is the tenants responsibility as per ORS 479.275. (ORS 475.270 and 475.275) Landlords can charge up to a $250 fee for none compliance of these sections as per (ORS 479.990). More tenant/landlord laws are found under Chapter 90 of the ORS.

Information for New Construction:

Homes built or remodeled since 1997 are required to have a smoke alarm on every floor of the home, in every sleeping room and outside of every sleeping room within 21 feet of the doorway. (OAR 837-045-0050) If you remodel, the area affected by the remodel shall meet this standard. These smoke alarms shall be hardwired with a battery backup and interconnected so when one detects smoke, they all alarm. Check with your local building department for more details on what is required. 

Carbon Monoxide is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas that can be harmful or fatal after prolonged or high level exposures. This gas is present in nearly every home and building in the world. If you are exposed to high levels over time or a extreme levels for even just short while, you can be in danger. 

Need help with your alarms - Bend Fire & Rescue offers free assistance for smoke and CO alarms

Bend Fire & Rescue has several programs aimed directly at ensuring every home has the carbon monoxide alarms they need and to provide education about CO alarms. Please call our office to set up a free home safety visit by calling 541-322-6386. 

• Are you selling your house? When you sell your home all of your smoke and CO alarms need to be compliant with Oregon law. We can assist for free in making sure they are compliant and help replace older alarms so you are ready to put the house on the market. 

• How older are your CO alarms? CO alarms are designed to last between 5 and 10 years depending on the manufacture. After that they can start malfunctioning or not working at all. Most CO alarms will actually start to chirp and indicate they are past their life span and need to be replaced. We can help check your alarms and ensure they are working properly. If they need to be replaced, we can assist for free. 

• Safety Outreach for Seniors - A FREE safety program provided by the City of Bend Fire & Rescue helps you uncover harmful conditions in and around your home that may place you, your guests and pets at risk of injury or even death. 

More information on CO safety, installation guidelines, state law and construction:

What is carbon monoxide?

It is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas, that is a byproduct of incomplete combustion of fuels such as gasoline, wood, charcoal,  coal, natural gas, propane, oil, kerosene and methane   

Why is carbon monoxide harmful?

It displaces oxygen in the blood and deprives the heart, brain, and other vital organs 
of oxygen. The molecules attach to your red blood cells more easily than oxygen molecules, 
depriving oxygen from getting into the body. This may damage tissues and result in 
death. Especially at risk are:

• Unborn babies 
• Infants 
• Older adults 
• People who smoke 
• People with chronic heart disease, anemia, or respiratory problems 

Where does carbon monoxide come from?

• Heaters, fireplaces, furnaces, appliances and cooking sources using coal, wood, petroleum products, and other fuels 
• Products and equipment powered by an internal combustion engine, such as portable generators, cars, lawn mowers, and power washers 
• Car exhaust in an attached garage may leak carbon monoxide into the house even with the main garage door open, putting you at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning 
• Operating equipment inside an attached garage increases the risk of introducing of carbon monoxide into a living space 

Why should my home have carbon monoxide alarms?

According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, approximately 2,100 people die from carbon monoxide poisoning every year in the United States. There are more than 10,000 injuries annually from carbon monoxide

What are symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?

Initial symptoms are similar to the flu, but without the fever:

• Headache 
• Fatigue 
• Shortness of breath 
• Nausea 
• Dizziness 
• Skin may turn bright red 

Severe symptoms include:

• Mental confusion 
• Vomiting 
• Loss of muscular coordination 
• Loss of consciousness 
• Death 

What is a carbon monoxide alarm?

• Detects carbon monoxide 
• Produces a distinctive audible alert when carbon monoxide is detected 
• Complies with ANSI/UL 2034 or 2075 or other nationally recognized testing laboratory 
• May be a separate stand alone unit or part of detection and alarm system 

What types of carbon monoxide alarms are available?

• Hardwired Carbon monoxide alarm: Activated by carbon monoxide 
• Battery operated Carbon monoxide alarm: Activated by carbon monoxide 
• Plug in Carbon monoxide alarm: Activated by carbon monoxide 
• Combination smoke/carbon monoxide alarms: Activated by smoke or carbon monoxide 

May I modify my hard-wired smoke alarm system for a combination carbon monoxide and smoke alarm?

• You may replace a hardwired smoke alarm for a hardwired battery back-up smoke/carbon monoxide combination alarm 
• Switching from one manufacturer’s unit to another requires a power adapter plug. 
• Manufacturers advise adapter plugs may be changed using wire nuts and may require a qualified electrician 

Where do I install carbon monoxide alarms?

Install CO alarms on each level of your home with bedrooms (sleeping areas).

• A CO alarm must be located within each bedroom or within 15 feet outside of each bedroom door. Bedrooms on separate floors in a structure containing two or more stories require separate CO alarms.
• All CO alarms must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's recommended instructions. (OAR 837-047-0130)
• Please note: this is required when selling or renting a home.

Do current rules require carbon monoxide alarm in all bedrooms?

• No, the law requires a carbon monoxide alarm on each level of your home with sleeping areas or within 15 feet of each sleeping area; however, ductwork from sources often goes directly to bedrooms, bypassing hallways outside of sleeping areas (OAR 837-047-0130)
• More CO alarms can be installed as you feel the need. We recommend at least one on every floor of your home, regardless of sleeping areas

Where should carbon monoxide alarms NOT be installed?

• Garages and kitchens 
• Extremely dusty, dirty, humid, or greasy areas 
• In direct sunlight or areas prone to temperature extremes. These include unconditioned crawl spaces such as ventilated attics, basement, and crawl spaces, unfinished attics, insulated or poorly insulated ceilings, and porches 
• In electrical outlets covered by curtains or other obstructions 
• In turbulent air such as near ceiling fans, heat vents, air conditioners, fresh air returns, or open windows.(Blowing air may prevent carbon monoxide from reaching the sensors) 

How often do I replace my carbon monoxide alarm?

• CO alarms should be replaced when the end-of-life signal is activated, the manufacturer’s replacement date is reached, or when they fail to respond to operability tests. (NFPA 720)
• Depending on the manufacture, CO alarms can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years. Each manufacture will list how long their alarm will last. 
• Most brands of CO alarms will chirp a sequence that indicates "End of Life" when the alarm hits the end of their operational life. See the back of the alarm for a list of what the different beeps sequences  indicate. 

How do I keep my carbon monoxide alarm working?

• Test alarms monthly 
• Use canned air or vacuum alarms regularly to remove dust and cobwebs 
• Never disconnect or remove alarm batteries for other use. For battery operated, replace the alarms’ battery(s) at least once per year 
• Carbon monoxide alarms and carbon monoxide/smoke combination alarms are NOT required to have a 10-year battery (OAR 837-047-0150)

What should I do when the carbon monoxide alarm sounds?

• Don’t ignore the alarm! It is intended to warn household members before they experience symptoms 
• Move everyone outside to fresh air and call for help from a fresh air location:
  
  • If anyone is experiencing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, call 9-1-1
  • If no one has symptoms, ventilate the building and contact a qualified service technician 
• Have all home equipment powered by fuels such as gas, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, or methane inspected by a qualified technician. 
• Have fuel-burning heating equipment and chimneys inspected by a professional every year before cold weather sets in 

Carbon Monoxide Information for Realtors, Home Sellers, and Home Buyers 

Are carbon monoxide (CO) alarms required when selling a home? 

If a home has a CO source, CO alarms are required before it can be sold. Effective April 1, 2011, sellers of one- and two-family dwellings, manufactured dwellings, or multifamily housing containing a CO source must have one or more properly functioning CO alarms before conveying fee title or transferring possession of a dwelling. Homes built during or after 2011 require a CO alarm regardless of the presence of a CO source. (OAR 837-047-0120)

Are carbon monoxide alarms required in new home construction or remodels?

Yes. The CO alarm requirements for new construction, reconstruction, alteration, and repair are applicable regardless of the presence of a CO source. (Oregon Residential Specialty Code, Carbon Monoxide Alarms) (OSSC, Carbon Monoxide Alarms 908.7) 

Can I have battery-operated CO alarms in new construction? 

Yes. Section R315.4.1 of the 2011 ORSC states “Single station CO alarms shall be battery operated, or may receive their primary power from the building wiring system.” If a homeowner chooses to install the electrical plug-in type, those CO alarms need to have a battery backup feature.

Carbon Monoxide Information for Property Management, Landlords, and Tenants 

Are carbon monoxide (CO) alarms required in rental dwelling units? 

Yes. The owner of any rental dwelling unit or the owner’s authorized agent shall be responsible for supplying, installing, and maintaining the required smoke alarms or smoke detectors and shall provide a written notice containing instructions for testing of the devices. The notice shall be given to the tenant at the time the tenant first takes possession of the premises. (ORS 479.270) If a smoke alarm is battery-operated or has a battery-operated backup system, the landlord shall supply working batteries for the alarm at the beginning of a new tenancy.

What are my obligations as a tenant? 

Yes. The owner of any rental dwelling unit or the owner’s authorized agent shall be responsible for supplying, installing, and maintaining the required smoke alarms or smoke detectors and shall provide a written notice containing instructions for testing of the devices. The notice shall be given to the tenant at the time the tenant first takes possession of the premises. (ORS 479.270)
If a smoke alarm is battery-operated or has a battery-operated backup system, the landlord shall supply working batteries for the alarm at the beginning of a new tenancy.

As a tenant, can I be charged a fee for tampering with my CO alarm? 

Yes. A landlord may charge a tenant a fee for removal or tampering with a properly functioning CO alarm. (ORS 90.302) 

What do I do if I am renting and have a CO source, and my landlord has not provided a working CO alarm? 

A tenant must notify the landlord in writing of any operating deficiencies. (837-047-0160) 

If the landlord receives written notice from the tenant of a deficiency in a CO alarm, other than dead batteries, the landlord shall repair or replace the alarm. (ORS 90.317)

For more information about Carbon Monoxide Alarms, go to the Oregon State Fire Marshals website.

CPSC The "Invisible" Killer Brochure about CO