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i f V/� STEELE ASSOCIATES ARCHITECTS LLC 41. ARCHITECTURE INTERIOR DESIGN MASTER PLANNING SUSTAINABLE DESIGN 686 NW YORK DRIVE SUITE 150 BEND OR 97703 PH541.382.9867 PAX:541-385.8816 wwsreek-arch.com Re:555-14-005788-PH 1165 McGee Court NE,The Village at Keizer Ridge Assisted Living& Memory Care Attachment to Alternate Method Application regarding Memory Care Smoke Alarms February 3,2016 Code requirements: • OSSC 907.2.11.3 Interconnection. Where more than one smoke alarm is required to be installed within an individual sleeping unit in Group I-1 occupancies,the smoke alarms shall be interconnected in such a manner that the activation of one alarm will activate all of the alarms in the individual unit..The alarm shall be clearly audible in all bedrooms over background noise levels with all intervening doors closed. Description of resident unit smoke alarm system function as designed and installed: • Assisted Living units:each unit is considered a sleeping unit and the smoke alarms within each unit are interconnected as specified above. • Memory Care units:there are ten pairs of units (bedrooms)that share a bathroom between two units;as such,the pair is considered to be a sleeping unit. The smoke alarm in each bedroom sounds an alarm in that bedroom only;additionally, a signal is sent to the three central nurse call stations and to the pagers that the staff carry at all times. A smoke alarm triggered in one memory care bedroom will not announce in any other bedroom. How the design meets the provisions and intent of the code: • Because the smoke alarms are all connected to the central nurse call system,the intent of the requirement for interconnection of the detection system is satisfied. A smoke alarm in any one unit will set in motion the response plan within which the affected residents are evacuated to a safe location by staff members who are on duty at all times. Why the design provides equal or superior safety: • The memory care resident population is not cognitively able to evacuate upon an alarm signal. It is likely that an alarm that sounds will cause stress and panic, not safe evacuation. • The smoke alarm will announce in the bedroom where the smoke exists. • Although pairs of memory care bedrooms connected by a shared bathroom are considered to be a single sleeping unit,the ceilings and walls are constructed of gypsum board,creating a relatively effective smoke and fire barrier. It is to be expected that, by the time smoke or fire travels through the intervening walls or bathrooms,staff will have had time to respond. • The facility has procedures in place to respond to alarms and escort residents to safety. The staff provides the necessary occupant notification and evacuation. L