Do you know what type of smoke detection that you have in your place of residence? Many students and tenants do not know what type of smoke detection is installed in their place of residence. There are 4 different types of smoke detector installations.

1. Battery Operated Smoke Detectors.
    
2. Smoke Detectors that are wired directly to household current.
    
3. Smoke Detectors that are wired directly to household current and are interconnected with other smoke detectors in the same living area. When one detector activates, all the detectors transmit an audible alarm.
    
4. Smoke Detectors that are directly connected to a fire alarm system.
   
   Learn what type of smoke detectors you have from your landlord!

Do you know what to do if a smoke detector begins sounding? Most people assume that it's probably a false alarm; however that may not be the case. There are some things that you should do and some things you shouldn't do when a smoke detector sounds.

1. If there is smoke and it is from a fire, you need to evacuate the building and then Call 911 to report the emergency.
    
2. If only one smoke detector is activated because of a nuisance type condition such as steam from a shower or smoke from cooking, you can try to fan the air around the detector to clear the detector of the smoke or steam. The detector will reset itself. DO NOT REMOVE THE DETECTOR OR IT'S BATTERY. If the detector will not silence, call 911 and the Fire Department will come and assist with the problem. The Fire Department can contact the landlord to have detectors repaired or replaced as necessary.
    
3. If the smoke detector activates a fire alarm system, DO NOT TAMPER WITH THE SMOKE DETECTORS OR FIRE ALARM PANEL. Call 911 and the Fire Department will respond to reset the system. If there is a problem with the fire alarm system the Fire Department will attempt to contact the landlord to have the system repaired.
    
4. If the smoke detector activates other smoke detectors and the detectors are activated because of a nuisance type condition such as steam from a shower or smoke from cooking, you can try to fan the air around the detector to clear the detector(s) of the smoke or steam. The detectors can reset themselves. DO NOT REMOVE THE DETECTORS! If the detector will not silence, call 911 and the Fire Department will come and assist with the problem. The Fire Department will attempt to contact the landlord to have detectors repaired or replaced as necessary.

If you disable a smoke detector or fire alarm system in the house or an apartment that you rent, you are in violation of the law. You could be subject to fines and penalties. You may also be violating the lease or rental agreement with your landlord.

If you have questions or concerns regarding the smoke detector installation in your residence please call the City of Ithaca Building Department at 607-274-6508 or the City of Ithaca Fire Department at 607-272-1234 for information.