Smoke Detector Policy

In an effort to provide the greatest level of safety possible for each of our members, the Cooperative has installed smoke detectors in every dwelling unit. This action complies with Grand Rapids City Ordinances.

The following information is provided for your benefit and knowledge:

1. Fire Prention Ordinance: Article 4, Smoke Detector Ordinance, F.400.7, TAMPERING: A person shall not obstruct, remove, tamper with, or otherwise disturb any fire protection device or system required to be installed or maintained under the provisions of this code except as may be necessary for maintenance of the device or system or necessary for the use of the device or system during an actual emergency. Misdemeanor penalty - 90 days and/or $500 fine.

2. Each dwelling unit has a smoke detector in each bedroom, outside of each bedroom and on every story of the dwelling unit. Each smoke detector will be a hard-wired electric operated unit (main floor) or a lithium battery powered unit. Stratford has complied with City and HUD rules regarding smoke alarm locations. We have several inspections by various authorities each year. THIS IS TO NOTIFY YOU that the Cooperative staff has been instructed that in EVERY case where they find a smoke detector removed, taken apart, or otherwise inoperable in a dwelling unit of the Cooperative, they are to IMMEDIATELY replace that smoke detector with one that works and have the office staff invoice the resident for the materials and labor involved. They are NOT TO search the dwelling to see if they can find the old one, nor are they to attempt to put the old one together. If one of the Cooperative’s smoke detectors is not where it was installed, the staff is to assume that it is not working and replace it immediately. You will be billed for a new detector plus labor to install it and also be charged a $75.00 fine.

This is being done due to the responsibility that the Cooperative has to install and maintain these units, and due to the liability that might attach if we know of a unit that is not working and do not take immediate action.

If any of your smoke detector units fails to work properly, call the office and have the staff replace/repair it. Do not attempt to repair or replace it yourself!

3. The battery units are powered by lithium power cells sealed inside the smoke detector. When they reach the end of their service life, or after 10 years, the unit must be replaced.

4. When the power cells become weak, the unit will “chirp” once a minute (a low power warning). This signal lasts up to 30 days, but you should call the office to replace the unit immediately to ensure your protection. Since the “chirp” sounds like the reminder for the silence feature, wait at least 30 minutes, then call maintenance IMMEDIATELY. The unit will not operate once it has been deactivated and it cannot be reactivated. You will be charged for the replacement or deactivated units.

5. When the unit is receiving power, the power indicator light behind the clear test button will flash every 45 seconds. If the unit alarms, this light will flash rapidly.

6. The unit has a silence feature that temporarily quiets unwanted alarms for several minutes. The unit will “chirp” once a minute for up to 15 minutes to remind you the feature has been activated. The silence feature does not disable the unit; it makes it temporarily less sensitive. For your safety, if heavy smoke is present, the unit may not silence or may re-alarm quickly.

7. To TEST the lithium battery smoke detector, press and hold the test button for 5-20 seconds, or until the alarm sounds continuously, (the unit may continue to alarm for a few seconds after you release the button). If it does not alarm, call the office and report it IMMEDIATELY.

8. The hard-wired unit requires no maintenance on your part. A red light is visible when the unit is operating properly. It may be TESTED by pressing the test button located on the front of the unit. If you suspect it is not function properly, call the office and report it IMMEDIATELY.

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