Residential Smoke Detector Give-Away Program

Most fire fatalities take place in the home. One particular study reveals that two-thirds of all fire deaths in the United States occur in the 12 percent of households that have no smoke detectors. Early detection of any fire is important; however, the detection of smoke can make the difference between life and death. Smoke detectors are designed to warn occupants of various gases, in the form of smoke, which is extremely toxic to the human body and will cause respiratory arrest within minutes of exposure. The Centre Region Council of Governments Code Administration Agency in cooperation with the Alpha and Boalsburg Fire Companies announces the initiation of the Residential Smoke Detector Give-Away Program. The program is designed as an attempt to reduce the loss of life from accidental fires in the home by providing residential homeowners with a smoke detector and battery at No Charge. Trained fire personnel from the Alpha or Boalsburg Fire Companies will install and test the smoke detector at no charge to the resident in accordance with code regulations and instructions supplied by the manufacturer.

The actual placement of a smoke detector in a home is very important. The hallway outside each sleeping area is the most advantageous location for proper protection. A detector should be mounted at the center of the ceiling and at least three feet from any air register. If placement on the ceiling can not be achieved, the detector may be mounted on an interior wall, four to twelve inches from the ceiling. In multi-story dwelling, smoke detectors should be placed on every level, and in the vicinity of the basement stairs, if possible. The Centre Region Program will provide more than one detector per household if needed.

If you are a residential homeowner within the municipalities of College, Ferguson, Harris, or Patton Townships, other the Borough for State College, please contact the Centre Region Code Administration Office at 231-3056 to arrange for your FREE smoke detector.

Fire Station Tours and School Programs

The Alpha Fire Company is open to the public for tours. If you would like to schedule an official tour for scouts, daycares, or a school field trip, please feel free to contact Shawn Kauffman, Life Safety Education Coordinator with the Centre Region Code Administration Office, at 231-3060. Tours last about an hour and include information about the history of the Alpha Fire Company, fire safety tips and a tour of the station, as well as information about the protective equipment that firefighters use and the fire trucks (the kids love this one). If you do have any questions you can contact the Alpha Fire Company (237-5359) or the Centre Region Code Administration Office (231-3060). Also be sure to bring the family to the Alpha Fire Company Open House, October 15th, 2006 starting at 12:00 PM.