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1. I am selling my house and I was told I need a smoke detector inspection, where should I put them?

Requirements For Smoke Detectors

Every building shall have affixed thereto a number representing the address of such building. Such number shall be of a nature and size and shall be situated on the building so that, to the extent practical, it is visible from the nearest street or road providing vehicular access to the building. (MGL Ch. 148 sec. 59)

Smoke Detector Installation: 1 & 2 Family

Each family home should have the following:

1. 1 approved smoke detector shall be installed on each living level.
2. 1 approved smoke detector shall be installed on the basement level.
3. To meet the specifications of 1 and 2 above, an approved detector shall be installed on the ceiling at the base of each stairway leading to the floor above, and, on the ceiling outside each separate sleeping area.
4. Beginning in 1998, new home construction shall meet the requirements of the 6th edition of the Massachusetts State Building Code, 780 CMR 3603.16.10.

Approved Smoke Detector Requirements

1. Construction prior to 1975: Battery operated
2. Construction 1975 to 1998: Permanently connected to an AC primary source of power. System additions or replacements must be permanently wired. "Battery operated" detectors are not approved as replacement for properly placed smoke detector. Battery operated detector may be allowed as additional smoke detector depending on the specific situation but will never be allowed as replacement for AC powered detectors.
3. Construction 1998-present: Permanently connected to an AC primary source of power with secondary power supplied from monitored batters.

As of April 5, 2010:

• All detectors installed outside of 20 feet of a kitchen or bath containing a bathtub or shower must utilize either:
  • A dual detector containing both ionization and photoelectric or
  • Two separate detector one photoelectric and one ionization
• All smoke detector installed within 20 feet of a kitchen or bath containing a bathtub or shower will be required to be photoelectric detectors.

2. I am building a new house, what are the smoke detector requirements for New Construction?

Residential Smoke Detector Installation

For a new construction a fire alarm permit is required. 

Installation for a One & Two Family

Power for single and multiple station smoke detectors shall be supplied from a permanently wired connection directly to an AC primary source of power. In addition to required primary power, all household fire warning systems shall have secondary (standby) power supplied from monitored batteries.

Smoke detectors shall be installed in the following locations:

• In all bedrooms
• In the immediate vicinity of bedrooms
• In residential units of 1200 square feet or more, smoke detectors shall be provided for each 1200 square feet of area
• On each story of a dwelling unit, including basements and cellars, but not including crawl space and uninhabitable attics

Exceptions

• Any smoke detector located within 20 feet of a kitchen or within 20 feet of a bathroom containing a tub or shower shall be a photoelectric type smoke detector but shall satisfy all compatibility requirements. Outside of 20 feet must utilize a dual detector containing both photoelectric and ionization or two separate detectors one photoelectric and one ionization.
• In buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkles system, smoke detectors are not required in bedrooms.
• When one or more sleeping rooms are added or created in existing dwellings, the entire building shall be provided with smoke detectors designed and located as required for new dwellings.

Regulatory Authority

Massachusetts General Laws

• Massachusetts General Laws
  Ch. 22, sec. 14
  Ch. 148, sec. 26E, 26F
• 527 CMR Board of Fire Prevention Regulations
  1.0 Administration and Enforcement
• 780 CMR MA State Building Code

3. What are the smoke detector requirements for an apartment building with 3 to 6 units?

Residential Smoke Detector Installations for 3 to 6 Units Existing Structures

Pursuant to Sale or Transfer - M.G.L. 148 section 26F

Installation for Three to Six Units (in Whole or Part Residential)

• One approved primary power smoke detector shall be installed outside each separate sleeping area.
• A series of interconnected approved primary power smoke detectors shall be installed in all common hallways and basements.

Regulatory Authority

• Massachusetts General Laws
  Ch. 22, sec. 14
  Ch. 148, sec. 26E, 26F
• 527 CMR Board of Fire Prevention Regulations
  1.0 Administration and Enforcement
• 780 CMR MA State Building Code

4. Do I need Carbon Monoxide Detectors?

Yes.

Where to Put These CO Alarms

In most residences, carbon monoxide alarms are required to be located on every level of a home or dwelling unit including habitable portions of basements and attics. On levels with sleeping areas the alarms must be placed within ten feet outside of the bedroom doors. CO alarms do not go inside garages.

When to Install CO Alarms

Most residences are required to install CO alarms by March 31, 2006. After that date anyone who sells their property will be required to have an inspection by the fire department prior to the sale or transfer of their property.

Having to Do This

Carbon monoxide (CO), known as the Invisible Killer, is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas that results from incomplete burning of fuels such as:

• Coal
• Gasoline
• Natural Gas
• Oil
• Propane
• Wood

Each year many people die from accidental CO poisoning and thousands more are injured. This law was passed to protect all of us from the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.

5. Is there a law against piling snow onto a fire hydrant?

Yes, piling snow on fire hydrants is prohibited; it's a penalty.

Piling Snow

No person other than an employee in the service of the commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof or in the service of an independent contractor acting for the commonwealth or any such subdivision shall pile, push or plow snow or ice on or against any fire hydrant or other similar device used for fire protection which is located in any public or private way so as to conceal such hydrant or device or cover any outlet thereof. Whoever violates this section shall be punished by a fine or not more than one hundred dollars.

6. Can I have a gas grill on my deck?

Barbecue Safety

• Never use gasoline on any grill.
• Supervise children whenever any grill is in use.
• Use of all barbecue grills should be away from the house in the backyard. 

Gas Grills

• All LP gas cylinders with a capacity between 4 to 40 pounds. must be equipped with an overfill protection device.
• Keep all LP-gas outside, three feet away from building openings such as doors, windows, dryer vents and air intake vents.
• LP-gas grills are not permitted inside or on balconies above the first floor of any building where people live.
• LP-gas is heavier than air and sinks. A leaky grill could pose a hazard to people below. Possible ignition sources include smoking materials, air conditioners, compressors, pilot lights and cars.
• Make sure all connections are tight and secure.
• We recommend LP-gas canisters be ten feet away from the house, if possible, especially when in use.

Charcoal Grills

Use only charcoal lighter fluid to start charcoal grills. Once the coals have been lighted, never add more lighter fluid to the fire. Flames may travel up the stream of lighter fluid resulting in serious burns.

7. What should I do to keep my home safer this winter?

Home Winter Safety

To keep your home safer this winter you should take the following precautions:

• Candles should be on a flat surface in a noncombustible holder of glass, metal or ceramic. Candles should never be left unattended. Many major fires in our area have been started by unattended candles.
• Carbon Monoxide detectors should be installed near heating units and on the level of the bedrooms.
• Chimneys should be cleaned, especially if you burn wood in a wood stove or fireplace. Chimneys should also have a screened rain cap to prevent rain, snow and animals from entering the flue.
• Cleaning leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts will prevent ice buildups during freezing weather.
• Have your furnace / boiler cleaned and serviced by a licensed oil burner or gas technician.
• If your oil or gas furnace / boiler has a direct vent, make regular checks during storms to make sure the vent is free from accumulated snow or debris.
• Keep space heaters away from upholstery, drapes, newspapers, magazines and other combustibles.
• Never ever use a gas oven to heat a room.