Residential Smoke Detectors are required in all homes. The location of detectors varies slightly based on when the home was built, however, if the home has or is under significant renovation/additions then the entire home must be brought up to date with current requirements. Carbon Monoxide detectors are also required if the residents has fossil fuel burning equipment such as natural gas, propane, heating oil, or wood burning appliances.

A Summary of Changes for Home in Massachusetts

The Board of Fire Prevention Regulations has approved an emergency amendment to 527 CMR 32 Approved Smoke Detectors. This regulation applies to units undergoing sale or transfer of buildings containing up to five residential units. The regulation, which was scheduled to go into effect January 1, 2010, has been moved to April 5, 2010. At that time the regulation will still require photoelectric smoke detectors within 20 feet of a kitchen or bath containing a shower. Areas located beyond 20 feet will be required to contain dual detection by either a single unit or two separate units. In addition to the date change the regulation has been clarified to indicate it applies to residential units constructed prior to January, 1975 that have not undergone major alteration covered by the State Building Code.

A guide for consumers is available for download here. (will open in a new window)

Feel free to contact the fire station if you have any questions.

Smoke detectors and Carbon Monoxide detectors should be tested monthly and have their batteries checked and/or changed bi-annually to ensure they are in proper working order. Even hardwired electrical or plug in detectors must have a back up battery that should be checked. Most manufacturers give smoke detectors a 10 year life span before the detector should be replaced, and Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors have a 7 year life span, check your manufactures literature for their recommendations.

The United States Fire Administration has made a booklet titled:

"fire Safety Checklist for Older Adults"

This booklet has infomation that individual and their families can review.