Most of us think that, because our homes were built with hard-wired smoke detectors, we need to replace the batteries once a

year and we’re good. Actually, if your home is more than 10 years old, chances are that the hard-wired smoke detector needs to be replaced as well. DuPont Fire Department recommendations are online. Also check the National Fire Protection Association for types of hard-wired detectors you can buy. How do you find out if the detector needs to be replaced? You can unscrew one of the detectors (most of our homes have several). On the back of the detector, you’ll find the manufacture date and recommended replacement date.

You can purchase replacements from Amazon, Walmart, any hardware store or directly from the company. Make sure you purchase the same manufacturer and model for all the units. If you choose a different manufacturer and model than what you already have, it would be best to hire a professional electrician to install them. There are new models that are both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. There are also models that have a long-lasting battery (10 years).

Smoke detectors are hazardous waste, because many have radioactive materials. Take them to the Pierce County hazardous waste facility in Tacoma. 

Window mounted air conditioners are allowed in the front and side of homes from May 1 to September 30. Permanent window mounted air conditioning units are allowed in windows at the back of the house.

Reminder about political signs

Political signs are defined as a yard sign containing a message supporting or opposing a candidate or ballot measure that will be on an upcoming primary or election ballot. Political signs are allowed in front yards or on an immediately adjacent planting strip between the sidewalk and the street. Political signs may be placed within public easements or street right of ways so long as it is not placed in a location or in a manner that interferes with traffic or driver vision, impede pedestrian traffic, or otherwise present a safety hazard. No political signs shall be attached to any utility pole, light pole, tree, municipal or other public agency signpost, or to any building or structure.  Take signs down no more than five days after the election. Lighting political signage is not allowed. Political signs shall be no larger than 24 inches x 24 inches and will not exceed 36 inches in height.

Who to call – city or ROA

Whether you are new to Northwest Landing or have lived here for several years, you may not know who to call about something like an abandoned car on the street or a tree that is ready to fall down. If something is on a city street, grass strip between sidewalk and street, park, or trail, the City of DuPont has jurisdiction. That includes lost dogs, dangerous or sick wild animals, graffiti, and fallen trees. Go to Report a Problem on the city’s website.  

If something is in an alleyway or a greenspace/pocket park (most have red benches), Northwest Landing ROA has jurisdiction. Call 253-964-1289 or email . If you receive a violation notice or fine and have questions, call 253-964-1289 or . If you’ve got a complaint about a property in Northwest Landing, you must submit your complaint in writing to .

The Northwest Landing website hosts a Who You Gonna Call webpage which includes common topics our office gets questions about. Governing documents for the association are also available without logging into the members’ portal.