For model: 0976
Smoke Alarm
User’s Guide
LISTED
9 Volt Front-loading Battery Operated Smoke Alarm with HUSH®Control
to temporarily silence nuisance alarms.
Thank you for purchasing this smoke alarm. It is an important part of your
family’s home safety plan. You can trust this product to provide the high-
est quality safety protection. We know you expect nothing less when the
lives of your family are at stake.
For your convenience, write down the following information. If
you call our Consumer Hotline, these are the first questions you
will be asked.
Smoke Alarm Model Number (located on back of alarm):
Date Code (located on back of alarm). The National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA) and the manufacturer recommend replacing this alarm
ten years from the date code:
Date of Purchase:
Where Purchased:
Manual P/N 820-0921 Rev. A
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For mobile home installation, select locations carefully to avoid thermal barriers that may form at the
ceiling. For more details, see MOBILE HOME INSTALLATION below.
When mounting an alarm on the ceiling, locate it at a minimum of 4” (10 cm) from the side wall (see
FIGURE 1).
When mounting the alarm on the wall, use an inside wall with the top edge of the alarm at a mini-
mum of 4” (10 cm) and a maximum of 12” (30.5 cm) below the ceiling (see FIGURE 1).
Put smoke alarms at both ends of a bedroom hallway or large room if the hallway or room is more
than 30 feet (9.1 m) long.
Install Smoke Alarms on sloped, peaked or cathedral ceilings at or within 3ft (0.9m) of the highest
point (measured horizontally). NFPA 72 states: “Smoke alarms in rooms with ceiling slopes greater
than 1 foot in 8 feet (.3m in 2.4 m) horizontally shall be located on the high side of the room.” NFPA
72 states: “A row of detectors shall be spaced and located within 3 ft (0.9m) of the peak of the ceil-
ing measured horizontally” (see FIGURE 3).
4"
(10 cm)
NOT
MINIMUM
CEILING
IN THIS
AREA
DEAD AIR
SPACE
4"
(10 cm)
MINIMUM
ANYWHERE
IN THIS
4"
BEST
HERE
(102 mm)
NEVER
HERE
AREA
12"
(30.5 cm)
MAXIMUM
ACCEPTABLE
HERE
3'
3'
(0.9 m)
(0.9 m)
SIDE
WALL
NOT
IN THIS
AREA
FIGURE 1
MULTIPLE
FLOOR PLAN
ANYWHERE
IN THIS
SINGLE FLOOR PLAN
BEDROOM
KITCHEN
BEDROOM BEDROOM
AREA
4"
(102 mm)
BEDROOM HALL BEDROOM
LIVING ROOM
BEDROOM
LIVING
ROOM
KITCHEN
●SmokeAlarmsforMinimumProtection
● Smoke AlarmsforAdditionalProtection
▲ IonizationTypeSmokeAlarmswith
HUSH® ControlorPhotoelectricType
3'
BASEMENT
(0.9 m)
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 3
MOBILE HOME INSTALLATION
Modern mobile homes have been designed and built to be energy efficient. Install smoke alarms as
recommended above (refer to RECOMMENDED LOCATIONS and FIGURES 1 and 2).
In mobile homes that are not well insulated compared to present standards, extreme heat or cold can
be transferred from the outside to the inside through poorly insulated walls and roof. This may create a
thermal barrier which can prevent the smoke from reaching an alarm mounted on the ceiling. In such
units, install the smoke alarm on an inside wall with the top edge of the alarm at a minimum of 4” (10
cm) and a maximum of 12” (30.5 cm) below the ceiling (see FIGURE 1).
If you are not sure about the insulation in your mobile home, or if you notice that the outer walls and
ceiling are either hot or cold, install the alarm on an inside wall. For minimum protection, install at least
one alarm close to the bedrooms. For additional protection, see SINGLE FLOOR PLAN in FIGURE 2.
WARNING: TEST YOUR SMOKE ALARM OPERATION AFTER R.V. OR MOBILE HOME VEHICLE
HAS BEEN IN STORAGE, BEFORE EACH TRIP AND AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK DURING USE.
2. LOCATIONS TO AVOID
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In the garage. Products of combustion are present when you start your automobile.
Less than 4” (10cm) from the peak of an “A” frame type ceiling.
In an area where the temperature may fall below 40ºF or rise above 100ºF, such as garages and unfinished
attics.
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In dusty areas. Dust particles may cause nuisance alarm or failure to alarm.
In very humid areas. Moisture or steam can cause nuisance alarms.
In insect-infested areas.
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Smoke alarms should not be installed within 3 ft (.9m) of the following: the door to a kitchen, the door to a bath-
room containing a tub or shower, forced air supply ducts used for heating or cooling, ceiling or whole house
ventilating fans, or other high air flow areas.
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Kitchens. Normal cooking may cause nuisance alarms. If a kitchen alarm is desired, it should have an alarm
silence feature or be a photoelectric type.
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Near fluorescent lights. Electronic “noise” may cause nuisance alarms.
Smoke alarms are not to be used with detector guards unless the combination (alarm and guard) has been
evaluated and found suitable for that purpose.
3. INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS.
MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION: THIS UNIT IS SEALED. THE COVER IS NOT REMOVABLE!
CAUTION: WHEN WALL MOUNTING: UNIT MUST BE MOUNTED SO THAT THE
BATTERY BOX FACES DOWN! (SEE FIGURE 4). INCORRECT ORIENTATION OF
WALL MOUNTED SMOKE ALARMS WILL DECREASE OPERATIONAL EFFEC-
TIVENESS.
1. Remove the mounting plate from the back of the alarm by holding the
mounting plate and twisting in the direction indicated by the "OFF" arrow on
the alarm cover.
FIGURE 4
2. After selecting the proper smoke alarm location as described in Section 1, attach the mounting
plate as shown in Figure 5. Use the screws and anchors provided to secure the mounting plate
(use 3/16" drill bit for anchor holes). To ensure aesthetic alignment of the alarm with the hallway or
wall, the “A” line on the mounting bracket should be parallel with the hallway when ceiling mount-
ed, or horizontal when wall mounted.
FIGURE 5
When wall mounting,
the “A” line should
be horizontal.
When mounting
in a hallway, the
“A” line should
be parallel with
the hallway.
A
A
Remove
Install
Alignment Marks
3. Make sure that the mounting screws are positioned in the small ends of the keyholes before
tightening the screws.
4. Install the alarm on the mounting plate and rotate the alarm in the direction indicated by the
"ON" arrow on the cover until the alarm ratchets into place (this ratcheting function allows for aes-
thetic alignment). NOTE: The alarm will mount to the bracket in 4 positions (every 90 degrees).
When wall mounting, make sure the battery box is at the bottom of the unit. (see Figure 5)
5. Be sure the battery is installed correctly and the battery compartment is closed completely. See
section 6 for battery installation instructions.
CAUTION: THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT WILL NOT CLOSE WITHOUT A BATTERY
INSTALLED PROPERLY. REMOVAL OF THE BATTERY WILL RENDER THE ALARM INOPERA-
TIVE.
6. Test the unit to ensure proper operation by pressing the Test Button for a minimun of 5 seconds.
CAUTION: Due to the loudness (85 decibels) of the alarm, always stand an arms length away
from the unit when testing.
Tamper Resist Feature
Battery Carrier Tamper Resist Feature
This alarm has a battery carrier tamper resist feature, which helps prevent the battery carrier from
being opened. This feature helps prevent the removal of the battery from this device (which will
render the device inoperative).
To activate the battery carrier tamper resist feature, remove the unit from the trim plate and locate
the small cut-out in the middle of the product label on the back of
the unit. With a small screwdriver, or similar tool, slide the switch
towards the top of the label. (see Figure 6). The tamper resist fea-
ture is now active and the battery carrier can not be opened until
the tamper resist feature is deactivated.
NOTE: Before activating the battery carrier tamper resist feature,
make sure a fresh battery is installed in the unit and that the bat-
tery carrier is properly closed. If the battery carrier tamper resist
feature is activated while the battery carrier is open, the battery
carrier will not close and the unit will be inoperable.
FIGURE 6
To deactivate the battery carrier tamper resist, in order to change the
smoke alarm battery, remove the unit from the mounting plate, and
locate the small cut-out in the middle of the product label. Using a screwdriver, or similar tool, slide
the switch towards the bottom of the product label. The battery carrier can now be opened and the
battery changed.
4. OPERATION AND TESTING
OPERATION: The smoke alarm is operating once fresh batteries are installed and testing is complete.
When the smoke alarm ionization chamber senses products of combustion, the horn will sound a loud
(85db) temporal alarm until the sensing chamber is cleared of smoke particles.
Hush® CONTROL: The Hush®feature has the capability of temporarily desensitizing the alarm circuit
for approximately 7 minutes. This feature is to be used only when a known alarm condition, such as
smoke from cooking, activates the alarm. The smoke alarm is desensitized by pushing the Hush®but-
ton on the smoke alarm cover. If the smoke is not too dense, the alarm will silence immediately and
“chirp” every 30-40 seconds for approximately 7 minutes. This indicates that the alarm is in a desensi-
tized condition. The smoke alarm will automatically reset after approximately 7 minutes and sound the
alarm if particles of combustion are still present. The Hush®feature can be used repeatedly until the
air has been cleared of the condition causing the alarm. Pushing the test button on the alarm will end
the Hush® period.
NOTE: DENSE SMOKE WILL OVERRIDE THE HUSH® CONTROL FEATURE AND SOUND A CON-
TINUOUS ALARM.
CAUTION: BEFORE USING THE ALARM HUSH® FEATURE, IDENTIFY THE SOURCE OF THE
SMOKE AND BE CERTAIN A SAFE CONDITION EXISTS.
LED INDICATOR: This smoke alarm is equipped with a red LED indicator with two modes of operation.
Standby Condition
The red LED will flash every 30-40 seconds to indicate that the smoke
alarm is operating properly.
Alarm Condition
When the alarm senses products of combustion and goes into alarm,
the red LED will flash rapidly (one flash per second). The rapid flashing
LED and pulsating alarm will continue until the air is cleared.
TESTING: Test by pushing the test button on the cover and hold it down for a minimum of 5 seconds.
This will sound the alarm if all the electronic circuitry, horn and battery are working. If no alarm sounds,
check the fuse or circuit breaker supplying power to the alarm circuit. If the alarm still does not sound,
the unit has defective batteries or other failure. DO NOT use an open flame to test your alarm, you
could damage the alarm or ignite combustible materials and start a structure fire.
TEST THE ALARM WEEKLY TO ENSURE PROPER OPERATION. Erratic or low sound coming from
your alarm may indicate a defective alarm, and it should be returned for service (see Section 12).
5. NUISANCE ALARMS
Smoke alarms are designed to minimize nuisance alarms. Cigarette smoke will not normally set off the
alarm, unless the smoke is blown directly into the alarm. Combustion particles from cooking may set
off the alarm if the alarm is located close to the cooking area. Large quantities of combustible particles
are generated from spills or when broiling. Using the fan on a range hood which vents to the outside
(non-recirculating type) will also help remove these combustible products from the kitchen.
Model 0976 has a Hush®button that is extremely useful in a kitchen area or other areas prone to nui-
sance alarms. For more information, refer to Section 4 OPERATION AND TESTING.
If the alarm does sound, check for fires first. If a fire is discovered, get out and call the fire department.
If no fire is present, check to see if one of the reasons listed in Section 2 may have caused the alarm.
6. MAINTENANCE
ALARM REMOVAL
To remove the alarm from the trim ring, rotate the alarm counter clockwise in the direction of the "OFF"
arrow on the cover.
BATTERY INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL
Note: If battery carrier tamper resist feature has been activated it will need to be deactivated in order
to change the battery. Refer to section 3 “Battery Carrier Tamper Resist Feature” for instructions.
To replace or install the batteries press down on the battery carrier and then release to allow the carrier
to pop open. The battery can then be pulled out of the carrier. When installing a new battery into the
carrier, make sure the battery terminals are exposed and that the polarity matches the markings printed
on the battery carrier. Completely press the battery carrier down into the alarm and release, the battery
carrier will lock into the closed position.
A missing or improperly installed battery will prevent the battery carrier from closing and result in
improper alarm operation.
This smoke alarm uses a 9V carbon zinc battery (alkaline and lithium batteries may also be used). A
fresh battery should last for one year under normal operating conditions.
This alarm has a low battery monitor circuit which will cause the alarm to “chirp” approximately every
30-40 seconds for a minimum of seven (7) days when the battery gets low. Replace the battery when
this condition occurs.
OPEN
USE ONLY THE FOLLOWING 9 VOLT BATTERIES FOR SMOKE ALARM REPLACEMENT.
INSERT
PRESS
Carbon-zinc type
Alkaline type
EVEREADY 216 OR 1222; GOLD PEAK 1604P OR 1604S
ENERGIZER 522; DURACELL MN1604 OR MX1604; GOLD PEAK 1604A
PANASONIC 6AM6, 6AM-6, 6AM-6PI, 6AM6X, AND 6LR61 (GA)
Lithium type
ULTRALIFE U9VL-J
NOTE: WEEKLY TESTING IS REQUIRED!
NOTE: IF AFTER BATTERY REPLACEMENT THE ALARM CONTINUES TO CHIRP, PUSH THE TEST
BUTTON. THE HUSH® FEATURE MAY HAVE BEEN ACTIVATED ACCIDENTLY WHILE CHANGING
THE BATTERY AND PUSHING THE TEST BUTTON WILL END THE HUSH® CYCLE.
WARNING! BE SURE TO FOLLOW BATTERY INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS PRINTED ON THE
BACK OF THE ALARM AND USE ONLY THE BATTERIES SPECIFIED. USE OF DIFFERENT BATTER-
IES MAY HAVE A DETRIMENTAL EFFECT ON THE SMOKE ALARM.
CLEANING YOUR ALARM.
YOUR ALARM SHOULD BE CLEANED AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR
To clean your alarm, remove it from the mounting bracket as outlined in the beginning of this section. You
can clean the interior of your alarm (sensing chamber) by using compressed air or a vacuum cleaner hose
and blowing or vacuuming through the openings around the perimeter of the alarm. The outside of the
alarm can be wiped with a damp cloth. After cleaning, reinstall your alarm, verify the green LED is on and
test your alarm by using the test button. If cleaning does not restore the alarm to normal operation the
alarm should be replaced.
7. LIMITATIONS OF SMOKE ALARMS
WARNING: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND THOROUGHLY
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NFPA 72 states: Life safety from fire in residential occupancies is based primarily on early notification to
occupants of the need to escape, followed by the appropriate egress actions by those occupants. Fire
warning systems for dwelling units are capable of protecting about half of the occupants in potentially
fatal fires. Victims are often intimate with the fire, too old or young, or physically or mentally impaired
such that they cannot escape even when warned early enough that escape should be possible. For
these people, other strategies such as protection-in-place or assisted escape or rescue are necessary.
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Smoke alarms are devices that can provide early warning of possible fires at a reasonable cost; how-
ever, alarms have sensing limitations. Ionization sensing alarms may detect invisible fire particles (asso-
ciated with fast flaming fires) sooner than photoelectric alarms. Photoelectric sensing alarms may
detect visible fire particles (associated with slow smoldering fires) sooner than ionization alarms. Home
fires develop in different ways and are often unpredictable. For maximum protection, Kidde recom-
mends that both Ionization and Photoelectric alarms be installed.
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A battery powered alarm must have a battery of the specified type, in good condition and installed properly.
A.C. powered alarms (without battery backup) will not operate if the A.C. power has been cut off, such
as by an electrical fire or an open fuse.
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Smoke alarms must be tested regularly to make sure the batteries and the alarm circuits are in good
operating condition.
Smoke alarms cannot provide an alarm if smoke does not reach the alarm. Therefore, smoke alarms
may not sense fires starting in chimneys, walls, on roofs, on the other side of a closed door or on a dif-
ferent floor.
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If the alarm is located outside the bedroom or on a different floor, it may not wake up a sound sleeper.
The use of alcohol or drugs may also impair one’s ability to hear the smoke alarm. For maximum pro-
tection, a smoke alarm should be installed in each sleeping area on every level of a home.
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Although smoke alarms can help save lives by providing an early warning of a fire, they are not a sub-
stitute for an insurance policy. Home owners and renters should have adequate insurance to protect
their lives and property.
8. GOOD SAFETY HABITS
DEVELOP AND PRACTICE A PLAN OF ESCAPE
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Install and maintain Fire extinguishers on every level of the home and in the kitchen, basement and
garage. Know how to use a fire extinguisher prior to an emergency.
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Make a floor plan indicating all doors and windows and at least two (2) escape routes from each room.
Second story windows may need a rope or chain ladder.
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Have a family meeting and discuss your escape plan, showing everyone what to do in case of fire.
Determine a place outside your home where you all can meet if a fire occurs.
Familiarize everyone with the sound of the smoke alarm and train them to leave your home when they
hear it.
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Practice a fire drill at least every six months, including fire drills at night. Ensure that small children hear
the alarm and wake when it sounds. They must wake up in order to execute the escape plan. Practice
allows all occupants to test your plan before an emergency. You may not be able to reach your chil-
dren. It is important they know what to do.
WHAT TO DO WHEN THE ALARM SOUNDS
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Alert small children in the home.
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Leave immediately by your escape plan. Every second counts, so don’t waste time getting dressed or
picking up valuables.
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In leaving, don’t open any inside door without first feeling its surface. If hot, or if you see smoke seeping
through cracks, don’t open that door! Instead, use your alternate exit. If the inside of the door is cool,
place your shoulder against it, open it slightly and be ready to slam it shut if heat and smoke rush in.
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Stay close to the floor if the air is smoky. Breathe shallowly through a cloth, wet if possible.
Once outside, go to your selected meeting place and make sure everyone is there.
Call the fire department from your neighbor’s home - not from yours!
Don’t return to your home until the fire officials say that it is all right to do so.
There are situations where a smoke alarm may not be effective to protect against fire as stated in the NFPA
Standard 72. For instance:
a) smoking in bed
b) leaving children home alone
c) cleaning with flammable liquids, such as gasoline
9. NRC INFORMATION
Ionization type smoke alarms use a very small amount of a radioactive element in the sensing chamber to
enable detection of visible and invisible combustion products. The radioactive element is safely contained
in the chamber and requires no adjustments or maintenance. This smoke alarm meets or exceeds all
government standards. It is manufactured and distributed under license from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory
Commission.
10. NFPA REQUIRED PROTECTION
The National Fire Protection Association’s Standard 72 provides the following information:
Smoke alarms shall be installed outside each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bed-
rooms and on each additional story of the family living unit, including basements and excluding crawl
spaces and unfinished attics. In new construction, a smoke alarm also shall be installed in each sleeping
room.
Smoke Detection - Are More Smoke Alarms Desirable? The required number of smoke alarms might not
provide reliable early warning protection for those areas separated by a door from the areas protected by
the required smoke alarms. For this reason, it is recommended that the householder consider the use of
additional smoke alarms for those areas for increased protection. The additional areas include the base-
ment, bedrooms, dining room, furnace room, utility room, and hallways not protected by the required
smoke alarms. The installation of the smoke alarms in the kitchen, attic (finished or unfinished), or garage
is normally not recommended, as these locations occasionally experience conditions that can result in
improper operation.
This equipment should be installed in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association’s Standard
72 (NFPA, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269).
NOTIFY YOUR LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT AND INSURANCE COMPANY OF YOUR SMOKE ALARM
INSTALLATION.
11. CAUTION (AS REQUIRED BY THE CALIFORNIA STATE FIRE
MARSHAL)
“Early warning fire detection is best achieved by the installation of fire detection equipment in all rooms and
areas of the household as follows. A smoke alarm installed in each separate sleeping area (in the vicinity of, but
outside of the bedrooms), and heat or smoke detectors in the living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, kitchens,
hallways, attics, furnace rooms, closets, utility and storage rooms, basements and attached garages.”
12. SERVICE AND WARRANTY
If after reviewing this manual you feel that your smoke alarm is defective in any way, do not tamper with
the unit. Return it for servicing to: KIDDE, 1394 South Third St., Mebane, NC 27302.
1-800-880-6788 (See Warranty for in-warranty returns)
FIVE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
KIDDE warrants to the original purchaser that the enclosed smoke alarm (but not the battery) will
be free from defects in material and workmanship or design under normal use and service for a
period of five years from the date of purchase. The obligation of KIDDE under this warranty is lim-
ited to repairing or replacing the smoke alarm or any part which we find to be defective in materi-
al, workmanship or design, free of charge to the customer, upon sending the smoke alarm with
proof of date of purchase, postage and return postage prepaid, to Warranty Service Department,
KIDDE, 1394 South Third St., Mebane, NC 27302.
This warranty shall not apply to the smoke alarm if it has been damaged, modified, abused or
altered after the date of purchase or if it fails to operate due to improper maintenance or inade-
quate A.C. or D.C. electrical power.
THE LIABILITY OF KIDDE OR ANY OF ITS PARENT OR SUBSIDIARY CORPORATIONS ARISING
FROM THE SALE OF THIS SMOKE ALARM OR UNDER THE TERMS OF THIS LIMITED WAR-
RANTY SHALL NOT IN ANY CASE EXCEED THE COST OF REPLACEMENT OF SMOKE ALARM
AND, IN NO CASE, SHALL KIDDE OR ANY OF ITS PARENT OR SUBSIDIARY CORPORATIONS
BE LIABLE FOR CONSEQUENTIAL LOSS OR DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE FAILURE OF
THE SMOKE ALARM OR FOR BREACH OF THIS OR ANY OTHER WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, EVEN IF THE LOSS OR DAMAGE IS CAUSED BY THE COMPANY’S NEGLIGENCE OR
FAULT.
Since some states do not allow limitations on the duration of an implied warranty or do not allow
the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, the above limitations or exclu-
sions may not apply to you. While this warranty gives you specific legal rights, you may also have
other rights which vary from state to state.
Also, KIDDE makes no warranty, express or implied, written or oral, including that of merchantabili-
ty or fitness for any particular purpose, with respect to the battery.
The above warranty may not be altered except in writing signed by both parties hereto.
©Copyright Walter Kidde Portable Equipment 2005. All Rights Reserved.
QUESTIONS OR FOR MORE INFORMATION
Call our Consumer Hotline at 1-800-880-6788 or contact
us at our website at www.KiddeUS.com
Kidde
1394 South Third Street
Mebane, NC 27302
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