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, 2009.
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, 2009.
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, 2009. 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.
