For most Fairfield families, the cost of a smoke detector is a small price to pay in the name of safety.

However, even a $25 device may be too costly for elderly and disabled residents confined to a tight budget.    

So that every Fairfield resident can have the peace of mind an operable smoke detector provides, Fairfield firefighters install the devices free of charge in the homes of those who are not able to afford them or who are unable to service an existing smoke detector.

Request a Smoke Detector

Any Fairfield resident who cannot afford a smoke detector or who is unable to change a battery can call the Fairfield Fire Department at 513-867-5379, or request assistance online. Upon receiving electronic requests, a Fairfield Fire Department employee will contact you to schedule a convenient time to provide assistance.

Home Fires Pose Biggest Danger

Fire kills an estimated 4,000 Americans every year, and another 20,000 people are seriously injured by fire each year.

Although we like to feel safe at home, about two-thirds of our nation’s fire deaths happen in the victim’s own home, and most of those occur between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. when occupants are more likely to be asleep.

A Johns Hopkins University study, funded by the United States Fire Administration, found that 75% of residential fire deaths and 84% of residential fire injuries could have been prevented by smoke detectors.

Types of Detectors

There are 2 basic types of smoke detectors:

Ionization detectors contain radioactive material that ionizes the air, making an electrical path. When smoke molecules attach themselves to the ions. The change in electric current flow triggers the alarm. The radioactive material is called americium. The amount is very small and not harmful.

Photoelectric detectors contain a light source, usually a bulb, and a photocell, which is activated by light. Light from the bulb reflects off the smoke particles and is directed toward the photocell. The photocell then is activated to trigger the alarm.

Choosing a Smoke Detector

When choosing a smoke detector, consider which areas of the house you want to protect, where fire would be most dangerous and how many detectors you will need.

The safest bet is to have either both kinds of detectors or a combination detector with a battery backup. Be sure to check for a testing laboratory label on the detector. This label means that samples of that particular model have been tested under operating conditions. Check to see if it is easy to maintain and clean. Be sure bulbs and batteries are easy to purchase and convenient to install.