Is Your Home Safe?

We recently wrote about the state law that went into effect on January 1, 2017 concerning water-conserving plumbing fixtures. We thought we might also provide you with an update on other legislation related to your home’s safety.

The number of homes in our area that do not meet some very basic safety requirements would surprise you!

We also found it surprising to learn that some smoke detectors currently for sale in stores in our area do not comply with the State Fire Marshal requirements, so Buyer Beware!

Smoke Detectors

The State Fire Marshal bulletin dated September 2014 outlines the requirements for smoke detectors:

• Solely battery powered detectors must have a non-replaceable, non-removable battery that is capable of powering the alarm for at least 10 years.
• Each alarm must display the manufacture date, have a place to write in the installation date and incorporate a hush feature.
• The following devices are exempt from the above requirements:
  • Detectors intended to be used with a fire alarm or household fire alarm control unit
  • Smoke alarms that send a supervision and battery depletion signal to a fire alarm or household fire alarm control unit via a low-power radio frequency wireless communication signal
  • Smoke alarms that use low-power radio frequency wireless communication signal for interconnection

Smoke alarms should be installed in every bedroom, the hallways leading to the bedrooms and on every level of the home, including the basement.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

As of July 1, 2011 California law requires owners of all single-family homes with an attached garage or a fossil fuel source to install carbon monoxide detectors within the home. Detectors should be placed outside each sleeping area and on every floor of a home, including the basement.

For further information about smoke and carbon monoxide detectors we recommend you consult the State Fire Marshal website.

When selling a home, owners complete a disclosure in which they certify that at close of escrow their home will comply with the State’s requirements for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

….but, our advice is don’t wait until you sell your home in order to ensure its safety!