Smoke Detector Info

Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detector Information
Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detector Information

To schedule a smoke detector/ carbon monoxide inspection, please read the following, paying attention to what days inspections are conducted - plan ahead.


Click here to to fill out the application online. This form should only be used for the initial request. Any subsequent re-inspections must be scheduled via telephone. (NOTE: the online form can take up to 1 hour to be received in our office.

After you have submitted the form, you will be contacted via email with a date and time. If you do not receive an email within 1 day of submittal then call 508-994-1428 between the hours of 8AM - 12N or 1PM - 4PM, Monday through Friday to make sure the form has been received and to obtain your date and time. Inspections are conducted Tuesdays and Thursdays between 1:00PM and 2:00PM daily (excluding holidays).

Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors Save Lives!

When fire strikes you may have less than one minute to safely get out of the building.

  • Having working smoke alarms in your home can double you chances of survival if a fire occurs. 
  • Home fire deaths have been cut in half since the early 1970’s when smoke alarms were first marketed. 
  • 50% of the fire deaths that occur each year in the U.S. take place in the 5% of homes without smoke alarms! 
  • Fires produce heat, smoke and toxic gases.

Smoke alarms warn residents in the event of a fire. They give you time to leave the building before your escape route is blocked by these deadly elements.

Special smoke alarms are available for the hearing impaired.

The alarm can be wired to a light, which flashes when the detector is in alarm. A vibrating alert unit can also be used under a pillow while the person is asleep.

Plan and practice a home fire escape route.

  • Have two ways out of every room.
  • Discuss the plan so each member of the family understands what to do in case of emergency. 
  • Choose a place outside the home where family members can meet to be sure everyone is safely out of the building.

Carbon Monoxide Regulation

In November 2005, Governor Mitt Romney signed “ Nicole’s Law” which places certain requirements on owners of all residential properties to install and maintain carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. The Board of Fire Prevention Regulations has developed the regulations (527 CMR 31.00) establishing the special requirements of the law including the type, location, maintenance and inspection requirements for the alarms.

Carbon monoxide (CO), known as the Invisible Killer, is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas that results from incomplete burning of fuels such as natural gas, propane, oil, wood, coal, and gasoline. Each year many people die from accidental CO poisoning and thousands more are injured. This law was passed to protect all of us from the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Who is impacted by this law?
  • Generally speaking anyone who owns residential property regardless of size (i.e., 1- & 2-family homes, multi-family buildings, apartments, condominiums and townhouses, etc.) that contains fossil burning fuel equipment (i.e., oil, gas, wood, coal, etc.)
  • (Multi family properties should contact the department to obtain requirements for those types of residences).
  • OR contains enclosed parking (i.e., attached or enclosed garage) in Fairhaven, is required to install CO alarms by January 1, 2009.
What Do I Have to Do?

Houses constructed prior to 2009: You must install CO alarms on every level of your home except for basements and attics that do not have habitable living spaces (i.e., family rooms, dens, etc.) by January 1, 2009.

Houses constructed after 2009: CO alarms must be interconnected within the fire alarm system. They must be placed on each level of the house and within 10 feet of every bedroom.

If you have any questions regarding this section of the code contact the Fairhaven Building Department at building@fairhaven-ma.gov

What Kinds of CO Alarms Are Allowed?

Houses constructed prior to 2009: There are several types of alarms that are allowed; they include: Battery powered with battery monitoring; Plug-in (AC powered) units with battery backup; AC primary power (hard-wired– usually involves hiring an electrician) with battery backup; Low-voltage or wireless alarms; and Qualified combination smoke detectors and CO alarms.

Houses constructed after 2009: Must have detectors that are interconnect within the fire alarm system. 

What Are Qualified Combination Detectors and Alarms?

Acceptable combination smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms must have simulated voice and tone alarms that clearly distinguish between the two types of emergencies.

Where Do I Have To Put These CO Alarms?

In most residences, carbon monoxide alarms are required to be located on every level of a home or dwelling unit including basements and attics. On levels with sleeping areas the alarms must be placed within ten feet of the bedroom doors. CO alarms do not go inside garages, but in the adjacent living areas.

When Do I Have to Install CO Alarms?

Most residences are required to install CO alarms by January 1, 2009. After that date anyone who sells their property will be required to have an inspection by the Fire department prior to the sale or transfer of their property.


NEED ASSISTANCE:

If you need assistance in selecting the proper location of your detectors, please stop by the fire station during business hours with a layout of the house. We will be glad to assist you in detector placement.

Low income/Disability/Elderly Assistance.

Smoke and CO detectors cost as little at $30.00. However, we do understand that not all families can afford to purchase these detectors. The Fairhaven Fire & EMS Department has purchased a small number of detectors through a grant to assist low income families and the elderly. If you feel that you fall into these categories, please contact the Fairhaven Fire & EMS Department via email or contact us during business hours at 508-994-1428 x 21.


Additional Information:

For additional information about Smoke Alarms at Home, Smoke Alarms for Deaf/Hard of Hearing and Carbon Monoxide Safety click here to visit our Fire Safety page.