On New Year’s Day, a new smoke alarm law went into effect in Maryland. All residences are now required to have 10-year tamper proof smoke alarms.
Although most Marylanders might not realize it, their home may very well be in violation of the state’s new smoke alarm law that went into effect on January 1. The new law now requires all Maryland residences, whether apartment, townhouse, condo, or multi-family home, to have a 10-year tamper proof smoke alarm with a hush feature installed. The state has been gradually phasing in the new law for five years; changes that went into effect on New Year’s Day were the last of the implemented changes. An estimated 800,000 residents will have to purchase new smoke alarms, though newer residents may have alarms that are compliant with the new law. Those who have nine-volt battery smoke alarms less than 10 years old are still in compliance as those smoke alarms have been “grandfathered” into the language of the law. Any and all homes that have smoke alarms older than 10 years old must install new smoke alarms. Residents who fail to abide by the new state law, however, are not subject to fines, penalties or citations issued. The new regulations are simply designed for the safety and security of everyone.
Residents who are unsure how old their smoke alarm is, or if it's up to the state's recommended standards, should check the manufacturer’s date marked on the outside of the unit. If you cannot find the date on your smoke alarm, it is likely older and should be replaced as soon as possible.
New alarms cost roughly between $30 and $50 at hardware stores such as Lowe's and Home Depot.
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The Prince Georges County Fire Department recommends installing the smoke alarms outside each of the home’s sleeping areas and having at least one device installed on each level of the home. The Department also recommends having an electrician interconnect the smoke alarms so that when one sounds the other alarms also sound, ensuring that everyone in your home is alerted in the event of a fire, no matter where they are.
If you are concerned about fire safety, you can find out if your home is fire-safe by having the County Fire Department perform a free Fire Safety Advisory Inspection. County Fire Fighters will not only inspect your home for free, they also will install a free smoke alarm.
Prince George's County residents who would like to receive a free inspection and alarm simply need to fill out the Free Smoke Alarm and Fire Safety Inspection form. If you live outside of Prince George’s County and would like your home inspected, check your county or local fire department’s website. Most local and county fire departments offer free inspections and alarm installations via online requests.
What do you think of the new laws in regards to the smoke alarms? Does your home abide by the laws? Let us know in the comments below.
