Valley Fire & Rescue is committed to keeping every home in our community safe. Working smoke alarms are one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your family. Through our partnership with the West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office, we proudly offer free smoke alarm installation to residents of Gallipolis Ferry, Apple Grove, Glenwood, Milton, Pliny, Upland, Southside, and the surrounding areas of Mason County, WV.
Free Smoke Alarm Installation
Our department installs smoke alarms at no cost to local residents. This includes:
- 10-year sealed battery smoke alarms (while supplies last)
- Proper placement based on national recommendations
- Testing to ensure proper function
- Guidance on future maintenance
Your safety is our priority — let us help protect your home.
Request an Installation
Residents: No cost. No paperwork. No catch.
Just a safer home for you and your family.
Home Safety Checks
We also provide a free home safety checks to our community upon request.
This includes:
- Reviewing fire escape plans
- Identifying common fire hazards
- Checking existing alarms
- Ensuring house numbers are visible
- Basic recommendations to improve safety
To request a home safety check, fill out this form.
Smoke Alarm Maintenance & Replacement
Even the best smoke alarms require maintenance over time. Follow these lifesaving reminders:
Test Monthly
Press the test button on each alarm once a month to ensure it’s working properly.
Change Batteries Every 6 Months
For non-sealed alarms, replace batteries twice a year. A good rule of thumb:
Change batteries when you change your clocks.
Replace Every 10 Years
All smoke alarms — even hardwired or sealed models — must be replaced every 10 years.
If you don’t know the age of your alarm, check the manufacture date on the back.
West Virginia Smoke Alarm Requirements
West Virginia fire safety regulations require:
- Smoke alarms installed on every level of a home
- Smoke alarms outside every sleeping area
- Working alarms in all rental properties
- Proper maintenance by the occupant or property owner
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
While smoke alarms detect fire, carbon monoxide (CO) detectors warn you about a silent, deadly gas.
We recommend CO detectors if your home has:
- Fuel-burning appliances
- A fireplace or wood stove
- An attached garage
- Gas heating
If you’re unsure what you need, our team can help.
Home Fire Sprinkler Systems
Residential sprinkler systems provide outstanding fire protection. They:
- Control or extinguish fires before firefighters arrive
- Reduce fire deaths by up to 80%
- Limit property damage
- Require minimal maintenance
While not required in most homes, they are highly encouraged during new construction or renovations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does the program cost?
A: It’s completely free for residents of our service area.
Q: Do I need to buy anything?
A: No. All smoke alarms provided through the WV Fire Marshal partnership are free.
Q: How long does installation take?
A: Most installations take 15–20 minutes.
Q: How many alarms will you install?
A: Enough to meet recommended safety standards for the layout of your home.
Q: Is this available to renters?
A: Yes. Renters and homeowners can request installations.
Q: Can elderly or disabled residents request assistance?
A: Absolutely — we encourage it.
Keep Your Family Safe. We’re Here to Help.
Valley Fire & Rescue is proud to support fire safety education and prevention across Mason County.
If your home needs new smoke alarms, battery replacements, or a safety check, we’re just a click away.
A safer home is one free installation away.