This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Homeowners in Oklahoma City now must have a working smoke alarm in their residence, according to a new city ordinance.

The Oklahoma City Council voted on Tuesday to approve an ordinance that requires every one-or two-family homes to have a working smoke detector.

Officials say most deadly fires occur when people are sleeping, so smoke alarms are pivotal in preventing those deaths.

The Fire Department recommends following these tips when installing smoke alarms in your home:

· Install smoke alarms inside and outside of each sleeping area, and on every level of your home including the basement.

· Never install a smoke alarm within 3 feet of a ceiling fan or air duct, or within 10 feet of the kitchen stove.

· Never remove a smoke alarm’s batteries or take it down.

· Replace smoke alarm batteries at least once a year, or according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

· Test your smoke alarm once a month using the test button.

· Dust or vacuum smoke alarms once a year.

The Oklahoma City Fire Department has a supply of long-life smoke alarms, which they provide to residents free of charge.

The ordinance goes into effect the first week of January.

35.46756 -97.516428