Fire Safety

Working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are your first, and many times only, life-saving defense against fires and CO poisoning. In 2014, almost one-quarter of residential fire victims had no working smoke alarms to warn them. In 12% of these fires, smoke alarms were present but failed to operate.

Massachusetts law requires working smoke and CO alarms in all residences. In accordance with MGL 148 Section 26 F l/2, The Massachusetts Fire Prevention Code 527 CMR 1.00 c 13.7.6 regulates the placement of CO detection in dwelling units. The regulation applies to all buildings or structures occupied in whole or in part for residential purposes that contain fossil fuel-burning equipment or has enclosed parking. The owner, landlord or superintendent shall equip these dwelling buildings or structures with working listed carbon monoxide alarms.

History

On November 4, 2005, former Massachusetts 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 specific requirements of the law including the type, location, maintenance and inspection requirements for the alarms.

"Nicole's Law" is named after 7-year old Nicole Garofalo who died on January 28, 2005 when her Plymouth home was filled with deadly amounts of carbon monoxide on January 24. The furnace vents had been blocked by snow during a power outage.

Resources

• Smoke Detector and CO Inspection for Property Resale - Apply Online
• Carbon Monoxide Detectors
• Home Fire Escape Drills
• Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Requirements for Home Sellers
• Smoke Alarms Save Lives