The Fire/Smoke and Carbon Monoxide
Evacuation Systems that will save lives!

The new rule

• Beginning April 5, a new regulation regarding the installation and maintenance of smoke detectors takes effect.
• The new regulations apply to single and multi-family homes built or most recently substantially altered prior to Jan. 1, 1975, and sold on or after January 1, 2010.
• Homes built or substantially altered on or after Jan. 1, 1975, are governed by the State Building Code, which already imposes the same requirements.
• The regulations require that photoelectric detectors be installed within 20 feet of an entryway to a kitchen or a bathroom containing a bathtub or shower. The 20-foot measurement shall include and extend into common areas of a multi-family dwelling, if applicable.
• Outside of 20-foot kitchen and bathroom zones, both ionization and photoelectric technology must be installed.
• Source: Massachusetts General laws, www.mass.gov, and City of Boston Fire Department, www.cityofboston.gov/fire.