"The facts speak clearly that a working smoke alarm can save your life," said Chief Bunner. "Last year we found that nearly 90% of victims who died in fires in residences in Ohio had no smoke alarm or no functioning smoke alarm."

The owner of each existing dwelling unit or multiple dwelling units in the City of Akron must install smoke alarms by city ordinance. (595-1996, 7-29-96) (Section 93.52) It is recommended that smoke alarms be on each level of a home, including the basement. In the case of rental units, it is the property owner's responsibility to provide smoke alarms, and it is the occupant's responsibility to provide batteries and test them once a month.

For renters whose landlords have not installed smoke alarms, please contact the Akron Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau at 330-375-2211 and fire officials will follow-up to require installation.