Ten years after Massachusetts changed the rules for smoke alarms, an entire generation of the crucial safety devices is nearing the end of their lifespan and needs to be replaced.
A 2015 change to the Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code required most replacement smoke alarms in homes to have sealed, 10-year batteries and a hush feature, and those long-life batteries are only reliable for a decade, according to the state fire marshalโs office.
“Smoke alarms are like any other appliance โ they donโt last forever,” said Westborough Fire Department Chief Patrick Purcell, who serves as president of the Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts. “Right now, the alarms that were purchased and put into service 10 years ago are reaching the end of their useful lifespan. Our concern is that a wave of smoke alarms in homes across Massachusetts wonโt be reliable in the months ahead.”
Fire officials urge residents to check the manufacturing date printed on the back of the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in their homes. Smoke alarms should be replaced after 10 years. Some carbon monoxide models should be replaced sooner.
When selecting a new alarm, state fire officials recommend selecting models from well-known brands with the mark of an independent testing lab such as UL or Intertek/ETL. The new devices should also contain a sealed, long-life battery and a hush feature.
“Look for that language on the packaging or the product specifications. These devices use the latest multi-criteria technology, which helps to prevent nuisance alarms caused by cooking smoke,” said State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine.
When disposing of the expired devices, they should be treated as electronic waste and not thrown into household trash or recycling.
“If they’re crushed or punctured in a compactor truck or a transfer station, they could cause a fire thatโs very difficult to extinguish,” said Easthampton Fire Department Chief Christopher Norris, FCAM’s second vice president. “As lithium-ion batteries have become more common, weโve started seeing more and more of these trash and transfer station fires, and itโs a safe bet that the root cause is battery damage.”
