Do Your Smoke Alarms Adhere to New State Laws?

By Sonia Su

After the Maryland General Assembly amended the existing 38-year-old Smoke Alarm Law this year, Baltimore County residents have until January 1, 2018, to comply with the changes.

Under legislation (HB 1413 & SB 969) that took effect in July 1, homeowners must update the smoke detectors in their homes to newer sealed-battery systems if the smoke detectors are battery operated and are over 10 years old or malfunction when tested, according to Odenton-Severn Patch. Smoke detectors that are hard-wired also must be updated every 10 years or when those systems malfunction.

"The technological advances of battery-operated residential smoke alarms combined with 10-year, long-life batteries offer a decade of protection," fire chief Steve Lohr said in a press release. "Smoke alarms are one of the most important safety features to have in your home and while residents will have until January 1, 2018 to comply with the new law, we’re urging residents to upgrade their alarms now."

The new legislation also requires that at least one smoke detector be located on every floor of a home by 2018, Odenton-Severn Patch reports.

"For all new residential units constructed after July 1, 2013, at least one smoke alarm must be installed in each sleeping room, in the hallway or common area outside of sleeping rooms, and in the hallway or common area on each level within a residential dwelling unit, including basements and excluding specified unoccupied spaces such as attics," the bill states.

See if you comply with all of the bill's requirements.

Smoke Alarm Tips

• The Baltimore County Professional Fire Fighters Association, Local 1311, makes smoke alarms available to county residents who live in owner-occupied houses, townhomes and condominiums. (Baltimore County law requires landlords to install smoke alarms in rental properties.)
• Smoke alarms are available at all career fire stations. There is a limit of one per family. Please note that the Baltimore County Fire Department recommends more than one smoke alarm in every home. It is also recommended that residents call their local career fire station to ensure availability.
• Residents are responsible for installing alarms. For information about how to install, refer to our smoke alarm fact sheet.