Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detector Information
To schedule a smoke detector inspection, please do either of the following:
First, Click here to get the application. Print it out, fill out the appropriate sections and fax it to our office. Our fax number is (508) 994-1515. After you have faxed the application, call 508-994-1428 between the hours of 8AM-12N or 1PM - 4PM, Monday through Friday so we can schedule an inspection for you.
Or you can fill it out and bring it
to fire department headquarters at 146 Washington Street during those
same hours. If you have any questions regarding the form please call
fire headquarters during normal business hours.
The application is a PDF file and you will need Adobe Reader to print it. If you don't have the free Adobe Reader, click on the icon below to go to the Adobe website where you will receive instructions on how to download and install this free program. Then return to this page to print the form.
Or you can call the department and a form will be mailed to you.
Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors Save Lives!
When fire strikes you may have less than one minute to safely get out of the building.
Having working smoke alarms in
your home can double you chances of survival if a fire occurs.
Home fire deaths have been cut in half since the early 1970’s when smoke
alarms were first marketed.
50% of the fire deaths that occur each year in the U.S. take place in the 5%
of homes without smoke alarms!
Fires produce heat, smoke and toxic gases.
Smoke alarms warn residents in the event of a fire. They give you time to leave the building before your escape route is blocked by these deadly elements.
Special smoke alarms are available for the hearing impaired.
The alarm can be wired to a light, which flashes when the detector is in alarm. A vibrating alert unit can also be used under a pillow while the person is asleep.
Plan and practice a home fire escape route.
Have two ways out of every room.
Discuss the plan so each member of the family understands what to do in case
of emergency.
Choose a place outside the home where family members can meet to be sure everyone
is safely out of the building.
New
Carbon Monoxide Regulation
In November 2005, Governor Mitt Romney signed “
Nicole’s Law” which places certain requirements
on owners of all residential properties to install and
maintain carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. The Board of
Fire Prevention Regulations
has
developed the regulations (527 CMR 31.00) establishing
the special requirements of the law
including the type, location, maintenance and inspection requirements for the alarms.
Carbon monoxide
(CO), known as the
Invisible Killer, is a colorless, odorless,
poisonous gas that
results from incomplete burning of fuels such
as natural gas, propane, oil, wood, coal, and gasoline.
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.
Who is impacted by this law?
Generally speaking anyone who owns residential property regardless
of size
(i.e., 1- & 2-family homes,
multi-family buildings, apartments,
condominiums and townhouses, etc.) that contains fossil
burning fuel equipment (i.e., oil, gas, wood, coal, etc.)
(Multi family properties should contact
the department to obtain requirements for those types of residences).
OR contains
enclosed parking (i.e., attached or enclosed garage) in
Fairhaven, is required to install
CO alarms by January 1, 2006.
What Do I Have to Do?
You must install CO alarms on
every level of your home except for basements and attics that
do not have habitable living spaces (i.e., family rooms,
dens, etc.) by January 1, 2006.
What Kinds of CO Alarms Are Allowed?
There are several types of alarms that are allowed; they include: Battery
powered with battery monitoring; Plug-in (AC powered) units with
battery backup; AC primary
power (hard-wired– usually involves hiring an electrician)
with battery backup; Low-voltage or wireless alarms;
and Qualified combination smoke detectors and CO alarms.
What Are Qualified Combination Detectors
and Alarms?
Acceptable
combination smoke detectors
and carbon monoxide alarms must have
simulated voice and tone alarms that clearly
distinguish between the two types of
emergencies. If you have questions about
various types of smoke detectors, contact
the Fire department by phone @ 508-994-1428 or
by email to info@fairhavenfire.org
Where
Do I Have 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 of the bedroom doors. CO alarms do not go inside garages, but in the adjacent living areas.
When Do I Have to Install CO Alarms?
Most residences are required
to install CO alarms by January 1, 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.
