Effective January 1st, Marylanders now have a new law that affects the smoke alarms in their homes. You know how every time we "spring forward" or "fall back", the Fire Departments are forever telling you to change the 9 volt batteries in your alarms? And if you're like me, you're looking around your home saying "where's the 9 volt batteries" only to find out your child used the battery for the remote control for their new toy. So, you put it on your shopping list and do you ever pick it up? Maybe, maybe not.
The new law is to help keep all of our homes safer. All alarms more than 10 years need to be replaced with the new types of alarms that have sealed in batteries that last 10 years. No more hunt for the 9 volt batteries! HOORAY!
You can find the manufacture date on the back of your existing alarm. The law also requires home-owners install alarms on every level of a residence. Maryland Smoke Alarm Law requires those with battery-powered smoke detectors and those with no detectors to install tamper-resistant alarms.
Under state law, in new houses constructed on or after July 1, 2013 residents or owners must install smoke alarms in bedrooms, areas outside bedrooms and common living areas. These alarms must run on an AC electric power supply, with a battery backup. If there are two or more alarms, activation of one must trigger activation of another.
In some older homes, specifically those built before July 1975, and in homes where fire alarms did not exist, tamper-proof battery-powered devices are acceptable.
What if you don't want to install these new alarms? Unfortunately the penalty is pretty stiff. If state or local fire officials find a home or residence without the proper fire prevention devices, the investigating authority will issue a smoke alarm installation order. The building owner or resident must comply within five days or face a misdemeanor charge, punishable up to 10 days in jail or a fine of up to $1,000 or both.
In Anne Arundel County, you can call (410) 222-8303 for some help. The Fire Department in conjunction with Anne Arundel Fire Safety Foundation can provide assistance to any citizen who cannot afford to purchase one and they can provide installation as well! Win win!
Also, the True Value on Forest will give 10% off through January if you purchase 2 approved smoke alarms.
Just think, your family's safety comes first, but there's also the added benefit of not having to keep track of those 9 volt batteries. Junior is just going to have to do that himself! LOL!
What do you think about this new law? Take the survey below!
The new law is to help keep all of our homes safer. All alarms more than 10 years need to be replaced with the new types of alarms that have sealed in batteries that last 10 years. No more hunt for the 9 volt batteries! HOORAY!
You can find the manufacture date on the back of your existing alarm. The law also requires home-owners install alarms on every level of a residence. Maryland Smoke Alarm Law requires those with battery-powered smoke detectors and those with no detectors to install tamper-resistant alarms.
Under state law, in new houses constructed on or after July 1, 2013 residents or owners must install smoke alarms in bedrooms, areas outside bedrooms and common living areas. These alarms must run on an AC electric power supply, with a battery backup. If there are two or more alarms, activation of one must trigger activation of another.
In some older homes, specifically those built before July 1975, and in homes where fire alarms did not exist, tamper-proof battery-powered devices are acceptable.
What if you don't want to install these new alarms? Unfortunately the penalty is pretty stiff. If state or local fire officials find a home or residence without the proper fire prevention devices, the investigating authority will issue a smoke alarm installation order. The building owner or resident must comply within five days or face a misdemeanor charge, punishable up to 10 days in jail or a fine of up to $1,000 or both.
In Anne Arundel County, you can call (410) 222-8303 for some help. The Fire Department in conjunction with Anne Arundel Fire Safety Foundation can provide assistance to any citizen who cannot afford to purchase one and they can provide installation as well! Win win!
Also, the True Value on Forest will give 10% off through January if you purchase 2 approved smoke alarms.
Just think, your family's safety comes first, but there's also the added benefit of not having to keep track of those 9 volt batteries. Junior is just going to have to do that himself! LOL!
What do you think about this new law? Take the survey below!
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