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Learning the basics of fire safety is the first step in fighting fire – and it just so happens to be the most important. Understanding the best ways to protect your home and family or your business from fire should always be at the top of your to-do list. From selecting fire extinguishers and smoke alarms to knowing your state’s laws, fire safety 101 begins now. According to the NFPA, almost two-thirds of home fire deaths happen in homes without smoke alarms or working alarms. Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years. Dead
batteries and expired alarms can put you at risk. Many cities and states have created legislation requiring smoke alarms or specific types of smoke alarms in various settings. Certain laws also specify when homes need carbon monoxide alarms or other safety products. Understanding your local requirements can help you keep your home safe from the dangers of fire. The states that
updated their laws this year are Connecticut, Iowa, Virginia, and Maine. Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years, and in 2021 it may be time to replace yours. These states have safety legislation that either came into effect 10 years ago or will be going into effect in 2021. If your state is listed, find out how to keep your home safe below. Smoke alarms are required in all residential dwellings (single family homes, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.). In lodging establishments (boarding houses, bed & breakfast, etc.), if a battery-operated detector is not operational for two consecutive tests, the licensee shall install a detector that is hardwired with a battery backup. Smoke alarms are required in all residential dwellings (single family homes, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.). Smoke alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed. At the time of sale or lease, one/two-family homes must be equipped with, at minimum, an operable ten-year, sealed lithium battery smoke alarm. Smoke alarms are required in all sleeping rooms and outside of separate sleeping areas or in the immediate vicinity, and on each level of the dwelling, including the basement. Smoke alarms are to be installed in all residential dwellings (single family homes, multi-family homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.). Smoke alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed. NFPA 720 (2015 ed.). Select your state below to find out the latest fire safety laws and legislationDon't see your state listed above? Select your state below to see its associated fire safety laws and legislation.
AlabamaSmoke alarms are required in all residential dwellings (single family homes, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.). Smoke alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed. Back to list of states AlaskaSmoke alarms are required in all residential dwellings (single family homes, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.). Smoke alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, installed in accordance with NFPA 72, and UL-listed. Back to list of states ArizonaSmoke alarms are required in all residential dwellings (single family homes, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.) Smoke alarms are required in all new and existing multi-family dwellings, dormitories, hotels, and motels. Smoke alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, installed in accordance with NFPA 72, and UL-listed. Phoenix city ordinance G-5898-2014 specifies that a smoke alarm cannot remain in service longer than 10 years from the date of manufacture. Smoke alarms are permitted to be solely battery-operated in existing buildings where no construction is taking place, provided the smoke alarm is UL-listed with a sealed 10-year lithium battery. As of April 2014, homeowners must install 10-year, sealed-battery smoke alarms when replacing outdated, missing, or damaged units. Back to list of states ArkansasSmoke alarms are required in all residential dwellings (single family homes, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.). Smoke alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed. Back to list of states CaliforniaIn California, effective January 1, 2013, smoke alarms are required in all one- or two-unit dwellings, lodging houses, apartment complexes, hotels, motels, condominiums, stock cooperatives, time-share projects, dwelling units of a multiple-unit dwelling complexes, and factory-built housing. Effective July 1, 2014, no person shall market, distribute, offer for sale, or sell any smoke alarm that is not operated by a non-replaceable, non-removable battery that is capable of powering the smoke alarm for at least 10 years. Effective January 1, 2020, all used manufactured homes, used mobile homes, and used multifamily manufactured homes that are sold or rented on or after January 1, 2020, are required to be equipped with smoke alarms. Back to list of states ColoradoSmoke alarms are required in all residential dwellings (single family homes, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.). Smoke alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed. Back to list of states ConnecticutAs of July 1, 2021, smoke alarms capable of operating using any power source are required in all residential dwellings (single family homes, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.). Smoke alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed. Smoke alarms must be installed before the sale or transfer of the home. Back to list of states DelawareSmoke alarms are required in all residential dwellings (single family homes, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.). Smoke alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed. Back to list of states District of ColumbiaSmoke alarms are required in all residential dwellings (single family homes, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.). Smoke alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed. Smoke alarms must be installed in accordance with NFPA 72 (2013 ed.). Back to list of states FloridaSmoke alarms are required in all residential dwellings (single family homes, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.). Smoke alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed. Smoke alarms must be installed before the sale or transfer of the home. Back to list of states GeorgiaSmoke alarms are required in all residential dwellings (single family homes, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.). Smoke alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed. Smoke alarms must be installed before the sale or transfer of the home. Existing battery-powered smoke alarms in multifamily housing must be replaced by 10-year sealed battery smoke alarms when the device is no longer operational, is 10 years older than the date of manufacture, or there is no manufacture date on the device. Back to list of states HawaiiSmoke alarms are required in all residential dwellings (single family homes, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.). Smoke alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed. Back to list of states IdahoSmoke alarms are required in all residential dwellings (single family homes, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.). Smoke alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed. Back to list of states IllinoisSmoke alarms are required in all residential dwellings (single family homes, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.). Smoke alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed. Effective January 1, 2023, existing battery-powered smoke alarms must be replaced by 10-year sealed battery smoke alarms when the device is no longer operational, is 10 years older than the date of manufacture, or there is no manufacture date on the device. Chicago: Effective January 1, 2023, it is unlawful for a person to sell, offer for sale, or give away any smoke alarm that does not receive primary power from a building's wiring, or is powered by a self-contained, non-removable, long-term battery. On or after January 1, 2022, solely battery-powered smoke alarms installed in multifamily dwellings must be powered by a self-contained, non-removable, long-term battery. By January 1, 2033, solely battery-powered alarms in owner occupied dwelling units must be replaced by alarms powered by a self-contained, non-removable, long-term battery. Back to list of states IndianaSmoke alarms are required in all residential dwellings (single family homes, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.). Smoke alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed. Battery-powered smoke alarms in hotels and motels must contain a tamper-proof battery. Back to list of states IowaSmoke alarms are required in all residential dwellings (single family homes, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.). Smoke alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed. Battery-powered smoke alarms in hotels and motels must contain a tamper-proof battery. Effective December 9, 2020, smoke alarms in both existing and newly constructed residential dwellings must be UL-listed. Effective July 1, 2022, smoke alarms will no longer be required to have a dual sensor (ionization and photoelectric) and all battery-powered smoke alarms must contain a tamper-proof battery that lasts for at least 10 years. Back to list of states KansasSmoke alarms are required in all residential dwellings (single family homes, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.). In lodging establishments (boarding houses, bed & breakfast, etc.), if a battery-operated detector is not operational for two consecutive tests, the licensee shall install a detector that is hardwired with a battery backup. Back to list of states KentuckySmoke alarms are required in all residential dwellings (single family homes, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.). Smoke alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed. Louisville-Jefferson County Ordinance 94.02 requires all smoke alarms to be hardwired or powered by a non-replaceable, 10-year lithium battery. Back to list of states LouisianaSmoke alarms are required in all residential dwellings (single family homes, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.). Smoke alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed. At the time of sale or lease, one/two-family homes must be equipped with, at a minimum, an operable ten-year, sealed lithium battery smoke alarm. Back to list of states MaineSmoke alarms are required in all residential dwellings (single family homes, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.). Smoke alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed. A landlord may install 10-year sealed battery smoke alarms if the unit is a single-family dwelling. Back to list of states MarylandSmoke alarms are required in all residential dwellings (single family homes, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.). Smoke alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed. Battery-powered smoke alarms must be replaced by 10-year sealed battery smoke alarms. Sales of battery-powered smoke alarms are restricted to alarms with a 10-year sealed battery. Smoke alarms shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 72 (2013 ed.). Back to list of states MassachusettsSmoke alarms are required in all residential dwellings (single family homes, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.). Smoke alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed. Battery-powered smoke alarms are required to contain a 10-year tamper-proof battery. Additional smoke alarms, beyond those required, do not need to contain a 10-year tamper-proof battery. Back to list of states MichiganSmoke alarms are required in all residential dwellings (single family homes, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.). Smoke alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed. Back to list of states MinnesotaSmoke alarms are required in all residential dwellings (single family homes, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.). Smoke alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed. Back to list of states MississippiSmoke alarms are required in all residential dwellings (single family homes, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.). Smoke alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed. Back to list of states MissouriThere is no statewide fire or building code in Missouri. Codes are adopted at the local level. Smoke alarms are required in many newly constructed residential dwellings (single family homes, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.). Smoke alarms installed in new residential construction shall be hardwired and interconnected. For your specific compliance requirements, please refer to the local ordinances or consult legal counsel. Back to list of states MontanaSmoke alarms are required in all residential dwellings (single family homes, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.). Smoke alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed. Back to list of states NebraskaSmoke alarms are required in all residential dwellings (single family homes, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.). Smoke alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed. Back to list of states NevadaSmoke alarms are required in all residential dwellings (single family homes, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.). Smoke alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed. Back to list of states New HampshireSmoke alarms are required in all residential dwellings (single family homes, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.). Smoke alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed. Back to list of states New JerseySmoke alarms are required in all residential dwellings (single family homes, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.). Smoke alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed. Battery-powered smoke alarms must contain a 10-year sealed battery. Before a one- or two-family home is sold, leased, or otherwise transferred, the owner shall obtain a certificate of smoke alarm, carbon monoxide alarm, and portable fire extinguisher compliance. Back to list of states New MexicoSmoke alarms are required in all residential dwellings (single family homes, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.). Smoke alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed. Back to list of states New YorkSmoke alarms are required in all residential dwellings (single family homes, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.). Smoke alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed. Sales of battery-powered smoke alarms are restricted to alarms with a 10-year sealed battery. Back to list of states North CarolinaSmoke alarms are required in all residential dwellings (single family homes, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.). Smoke alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed. Effective January 1, 2013, when installing or replacing a battery-powered smoke alarm, a landlord shall install a tamper-resistant, 10-year lithium battery smoke alarm. Back to list of states North DakotaSmoke alarms are required in all residential dwellings (single family homes, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.). Smoke alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed. Smoke alarms are required in all residential rental properties. While there is no statewide fire code in North Dakota, local fire codes often require smoke alarms in existing owner-occupied residential dwellings. Back to list of states OhioSmoke alarms are required in all dwellings. Effective January 1, 2016, any newly constructed one/two-family dwelling must have:
Cleveland: Effective January 1, 2017, battery-powered smoke alarms are required to be replaced after 10 years from the date of installation with an alarm equipped with a sealed, tamper-proof battery with a service life of not less than 10 years. Back to list of states OklahomaSmoke alarms are required in all residential dwellings (single family homes, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.). Smoke alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed. Back to list of states OregonSmoke alarms are required in all residential dwellings (single family homes, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.). Smoke alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed. Ionization smoke alarms that are solely battery-operated must be equipped with a 10-year tamper-proof battery. Back to list of states PennsylvaniaSmoke alarms are required in all residential dwellings (single family homes, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.). Smoke alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed. Back to list of states Rhode IslandSmoke alarms are required in all residential dwellings (single family homes, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.). Smoke alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed. Back to list of states South CarolinaSmoke alarms are required in all residential dwellings (single family homes, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.). Smoke alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed. Back to list of states South DakotaSmoke alarms are required in all residential dwellings (single family homes, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.). Smoke alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed. Back to list of states TennesseeSmoke alarms are required in all residential dwellings (single family homes, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.). Smoke alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed. Back to list of states TexasThere is no statewide fire or building code in Texas; codes are adopted at the local level. Smoke alarms are required in many newly constructed residential dwellings (single family homes, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.). Smoke alarms installed in new residential construction shall be hardwired and interconnected. In Texas, landlords are required to install smoke alarms in each sleeping room, corridors serving multiple sleeping rooms, and each level of a rental unit. Houston Fire Code 1103.8.1 requires a battery-powered smoke alarm installed in multifamily housing be replaced with a smoke alarm containing a tamper-resistant, sealed smoke alarm containing a long-life lithium or similar battery. Back to list of states UtahSmoke alarms are required in all sleeping rooms and outside of separate sleeping areas or in the immediate vicinity, and on each level of the dwelling, including the basement. Smoke alarms are to be installed in all residential dwellings (single family homes, multi-family homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.). Smoke alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed. NFPA 720 (2015 ed.). Back to list of states VermontPhoto-electric only smoke alarms equipped with a 10-year sealed battery are required to be installed in all residential dwellings (single family, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.). Dwellings constructed after January 1994 must have alarms directly wired to the building electrical service and contain a battery backup. Back to list of states VirginiaSmoke alarms are required in all residential dwellings (single family homes, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.). Smoke alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed. Smoke alarms shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 72 (2016 ed.). Effective July 1, 2022, repair or replacement of smoke alarms shall be with devices listed in accordance with UL217 and that are no more than 10 years from the date of manufacture. Battery-only powered devices shall be powered by a 10-year sealed battery. Back to list of states WashingtonIn Washington, smoke alarms are required to be installed inside all dwelling units:
Back to list of states West VirginiaSmoke alarms are required to be installed in the immediate vicinity of each sleeping area in all residential one- and two-family dwellings, including manufactured homes (NFPA 72). Residential dwellings occupied by a deaf or hearing impaired individual other than the owner; must be equipped with a smoke detector with a light signal upon written request. Back to list of states WisconsinSmoke alarms are required in all residential dwellings (single family homes, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.). Smoke alarms must be hardwired with battery back-up placed on each level including the basement, inside each sleeping area or in the hallway within 21 feet of the sleeping area if multiple bedrooms are on the level. Back to list of states WyomingSmoke alarms are required in all residential dwellings (single family homes, multifamily homes, hotels, rental properties, dormitories, etc.). Smoke alarms in newly constructed or renovated dwellings are required to be hardwired with a battery back-up, interconnected, and UL-listed. Smoke alarms shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 720 (2016 ed.). Back to list of states *This information is Kidde's summary interpretation of the codes of each state and was prepared as general reference material ONLY. This summary is NOT authoritative. For your specific compliance requirements, please refer to the actual law or regulation, or consult legal counsel.* Page last updated: March 2022 How many smoke detectors are required in South Carolina?New homes are required to have a smoke alarm in every sleeping room and all smoke alarms must be interconnected. If you sleep with bedroom doors closed, have a qualified electrician install interconnected smoke alarms in each room so that when one alarm sounds, they all sound.
How many smoke detectors should you have in a dwelling or house?It saves lives, especially when a fire breaks out at night when everyone is asleep. For greater safety, it is generally recommended to have one smoke alarm per floor, including the basement. It is also suggested that smoke alarms be installed in bedrooms where people sleep with the door closed.
What is the minimum number of smoke detectors for each floor of a dwelling unit?The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), recommends one Smoke Alarm on every floor, in every sleeping area, and in every bedroom. In new construction, the Smoke Alarms must be AC powered and interconnected.
How many smoke alarms is it suggested to have in a dwelling or a house one per room one is enough one per floor?I believe one smoke detection system is needed to be installed in each sleeping room. There should be one in the kitchen and one in the entry of your home. There should be a minimum of one smoke alarm per floor, including the basement.
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