Daylight Savings Time ends tonight, so don’t forget to set your clocks back 1 hour. Changing the clocks is always a good reminder to change the batteries on all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
This year, please consider purchasing a new photoelectric smoke detectors for the kitchen and bathroom areas which are required in new homes by the Massachusetts smoke detector regulations which went into effect on April 5, 2010. The new regulations require that new construction be equipped with the latest photoelectric smoke detectors which are not as prone to false alarms as older ionization based detectors. Click here for my prior post about these changes.
The law specifically requires photoelectric detectors covering the area within 20 feet of a kitchen or bathroom containing a bathtub or shower. The older ionization detector is prohibited in these places due to their tendency to be set off by steam.
The new regulations only apply to single family homes sold on or after January 1, 2010. But why run the risk? The safety of your family and children should be paramount.
Here’s a great Guide to the smoke detector law put out by the Department of Fire Services.
