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With a recent rash of fires being reported, Laurel Fire Marshal Dave Cope want residents to know they must be compliant with the updated Smoke Alarm Law that goes into effect on January 1, 2018.
WHAT: The Smoke Alarm Law will require the replacement of an expired battery-only or hard-wired smoke alarm with a 10-year, sealed unit that has lithium-ion batteries and a silence/hust button feature.
WHY: The updated law will help achieve a more reliable smoke alarm coverage in older buildings. Smoke alarm requirements for existing homes are based on when the home was constructed, which necessitates smoke alarms outside each sleeping area and one on each level of the home. But if you do have a wired smoke alarm in your home, understand it is NEVER acceptable to remove the wired smoke alarms and replace them with any type of battery-only operated device.
If you are purchasing a newly, constructed home, Maryland requires an AC powered, battery back-up smoke alarm IN every bedroom, in the common area outside of the bedrooms and on every other level of the dwelling unit.
The cost of the 10-Year Smoke Alarm is more expensive, but it will pay for itself since you will not have to purchase and replace batteries every 6 months. And a reminder that, though you won’t have to replace the batteries, remember to vacuum the dust from the vents on a regular basis.
I am asking us all to be proactive in deterring property damage, injuries and deaths due to fire and update your smoke alarms today! It’s not only for the protection you and your family, but it’s the law! For more information, contact Dave Cope, Laurel Fire Marshal, at 301-725-5300 ext. 2250 | 
