When a resident sells his or her home, Massachusetts General Law Chapter 148 Section 26F requires that they equip their home with approved smoke detectors. The Orange Fire Department will conduct an inspection of the home and determine whether there is sufficient smoke detector coverage and to assure that they are properly installed. If the proper criteria is met, the seller will be given a Certificate of Compliance by the inspector. This certificate must be presented at the time of closing.
Inspections are conducted Tuesdays and Thursdays between the hours of 2:00 PM and 4:30 PM. Appointments can be made by calling the station at 978-544-3145. The fees for the inspections are $25.00 for single family homes, and $10 for each additional unit. Any inspections that failed will require an additional appointment and additional fee. In the event that the inspector cannot make an appointment due to an emergency, we will make every effort to contact you to reschedule the appointment.
What Type and Where?
In residences built before 1975, smoke detectors may be of the battery operated type and should be located on each habitable level including basements and finished attics. If a single level has an area in excess of 1200 square feet, a second smoke detector is required remote from the first. A third would be required on any floor in excess of 2400 square feet and so on. Smoke detectors should be located on the ceiling at the base of each stairway leading to the floor above, and also outside of every sleeping area.
If the home was built anytime from July 1, 1976 through the present, smoke detectors should be located on each habitable floor including basements and finished attics (one for every 1200 square feet of floor area). Smoke detectors should be mounted on the ceiling at the base of each stairway leading to the floor above, outside of every sleeping area, and inside every bedroom. These smoke detectors must be hardwired to your electrical system, include a battery back-up and be interconnected to each other.
These requirements for new construction also apply to additions and/or renovations where a bedroom is either added or substantially altered. If an addition or renovation involves adding or substantially altering a bedroom, the entire house, including existing bedrooms must be brought up to the present standard according to the Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR), regardless of the age of the house.
Smoke Detector locations:
- One for each level of the home within 10 feet of every bedroom door between the door and the living area.
- The basement detector must be mounted on the basement ceiling, within three feet of the stairwell.
- When installed on the wall, smoke detectors must be placed no less than 6” or more than 12” from the ceiling.
- Cathedral ceilings are considered a level and must have a smoke detector within 12” measured vertically of the highest point.
Smoke Detectors should not be located in the following areas:
- Kitchens – smoke from cooking may cause a nuisance alarm.
- Bathrooms – excessive steam from a shower may cause a nuisance alarm.
- Forced air ducts used for heating or air conditioning or paddle fans – air movement may prevent smoke from reaching detectors.
- Near furnaces of any type – air and dust movement and normal combustion products may cause a nuisance alarm.
- Dead Air spaces (where the ceiling meets the wall) - may prevent smoke from reaching the detector.
All homes are not alike and some discretion may be needed when installing smoke detectors. If you have questions about placement of smoke detectors, please call the station.
Other Considerations:
House numbers: Massachusetts General Law 148 Section 59 requires that all homes and businesses have numbers of sufficient size and affixed in such a way as to be visible from the street. So while we’re out to inspect your smoke detectors, we’ll also be looking for those house numbers!
Smoke detectors have a life expectancy of 7-10 years, and should be replaced with new detectors after 10 years. Dates of manufacture can be located on the detector.
Batteries in smoke detectors should be replaced at least twice per year. Recommendations are that they be replaced during the Spring and Fall time changes to keep it consistent. It is also advised to vacuum your detectors at least once a week to clear cobwebs and dust from the detectors sensitivity mechanism. Never paint a smoke detector.
Plan your fire escapes from the home before it is an emergency. Make sure that everyone in your home knows what each detector sounds like. Test it in front of the entire family. Plan at least two ways out from each room- especially the bedrooms. Agree on a place to meet outside the house or apartment building so you’ll know when everyone is out. Have everyone rehearse the plan regularly. Instruct children not to hide in the event of a fire, or rescue any item or pet, get out of the building. Do not reenter the home for any reason, firefighters wear protective gear and are trained to locate missing people in fires. In case of a real fire, get out of the house immediately. Once at the meeting place, have one person go to a neighbors phone to call the fire department by calling 911. In addition to telling them your name and address, tell them if anyone is still in the house.
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