
Smoke Alarm Outreach
Adequate smoke alarms are a necessity to provide sufficient early warning in case of a fire.
Adequate smoke alarms are a necessity to provide sufficient early warning in case of a fire.
The January 1st implementation of the Maryland smoke alarm law has generated many citizen phone calls to the stations inquiring about the new law. The following information regarding Maryland law is provided to assist with answering questions. Fire department personnel are frequently the only smoke alarm “experts” the general public will meet and speak with:
The intent of the new Smoke Alarm Law was to transition away from smoke alarms with 9v batteries and to achieve as much reliable smoke alarm coverage as possible in older dwellings. Smoke alarm technology has advanced over the years, and the updates to Maryland’s Smoke Alarm Law are part of a nationwide trend to ensure new and replacement smoke alarms have the most effective technology available.
The new law heavily emphasizes the use of sealed smoke alarms with long-life batteries and silence/hush buttons. However, it is critical to understand that these devices are appropriate only where battery-operated smoke alarms presently exist as permitted by Code or in locations where no smoke alarms are present. It is never acceptable to remove required hard-wired smoke alarms and replace them with any battery-only operated device.
The Maryland law requires:
Every day in the United States 1,500 homes catch on fire. Each year 4,500 people die and 280, 000 are injured in residential fires. The majority of fire deaths occur at night, while everyone is asleep.
The Fire Department, through a partnership with the Anne Arundel Fire Safety Foundation, can provide assistance to any citizen that cannot afford to purchase a fire alarm or needs help installing one.