TRENTON New Jersey Division of Fire Safety Director and State Fire Marshal Richard Mikutsky is joining local fire officials and fire departments across the state to remind residents that the biannual time change is a good time to check the condition of residential smoke and CO (carbon monoxide) alarms, in addition to considering upgrading to a 10-year sealed battery model if the current alarm is older than 10 years.
Having a working smoke and CO alarm in the home is very important to help save lives and prevent property loss due to fire incidents, said Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, who serves as Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Commissioner. When you turn your clocks forward this Sunday, make it a reminder to check the alarms in your home.
The Division is also reminding residents of the state law regarding smoke alarms for one-and two-family dwellings, which requires 10-year sealed batteries to be installed prior to sale or change of occupancy. The law does not apply to low voltage alarm systems, alternating current (AC) hardwired alarms and CO alarms. Combination CO alarm and smoke alarm single station devices are required to be of the 10-year sealed battery type. Regardless of the age or condition of smoke alarms currently installed, all affected alarms must be replaced with 10-year sealed battery smoke alarms.
We are proud to have assisted WABC 7 Operation Save-a-Life with the distribution of free smoke alarms to the elderly and disadvantaged once again this year, especially since COVID-19 has had such a disproportionate effect on that population, said State Fire Marshal Mikutsky.
He stresses that the presence of working smoke and CO alarms is critical for home fire protection and offers the following guidelines:
