Did you know the State of New Jersey mandates the following when you sell your home?

Three step process for selling your home.... 1 - 2 - 3

# 1  Smoke Detectors:

At a minimum, one smoke detector shall be located on each level of your residence, including the basement.  The detectors should preferably be mounted on the ceiling.  When there is a pitched interior ceiling the detector should be mounted at its highest point.  If a detector has to be mounted on a wall, it must be mounted 4 inches from the ceiling.  Regardless of whether a smoke detector is mounted on the ceiling or the wall, it should be mounted at least 4 inches from the corner.   
  

The below diagram depicts detector placement throughout a single family dwelling,

Questions:

Should I mount a smoke detector in the kitchen?
NO, a smoke detector mounted in the kitchen often results in many nuisance alarms due to cooking.  Many homeowners disable the detector leaving the first floor vulnerable.

HOWEVER, if a smoke detector needs to be mounted in close proximity to a kitchen, utilizing a photo-electric smoke detector as opposed to an ionization type, will reduce the likelihood of a nuisance alarm when cooking.  NFPA SMOKE DETECTOR FACTS 

Should I mount a smoke detector in the attic?
If the attic is utilized as living space (finished area) a smoke detector is required.  However if the attic is uninhabitable and unfinished, smoke detectors should not be installed.  Variations of temperatures will cause erroneous smoke detector activations.

Should I mount the basement smoke detector at the top of the basement stairs?
NO,  the smoke detector must be mounted on the basement ceiling, NOT in the stairwell or at the top of the stairs.

Is there a lifespan for smoke detectors?
YES,  a smoke detector reaches the end of its useful life after 10 years.

If I have hard-wire interconnected smoke detectors or a fire alarm system;
Can I use any brand of smoke detectors when replacing a bad or defective device?
NO,  all detectors must be of the same manufacturer and listed for compatibility with each other.

As a reminder, if your smoke detectors are connected with a central station monitoring service, knowledge of the operation of the system, including pass-codes, is required prior to any testing.

All non-working smoke detectors shall be removed prior to the inspection.

# 2  Carbon Monoxide Detectors:

Is there a lifespan for a carbon monoxide detector?
YES, a carbon monoxide detector reaches the end of its useful life after 10 years.

Should I purchase and install a combined smoke and carbon monoxide detector?
YES, combination detectors are permitted provided they are mounted and installed as they were a smoke detector.

# 3  Fire Extinguishers:

The following are the requirements for the fire extinguishers

<> At least one portable fire extinguisher shall be installed in all one and two family dwellings upon a change of occupancy.

<> The extinguisher shall be listed, labeled, charged and operable.

<> The size shall be no smaller than 2A:10BC, rated for residential use and weigh no more than 10lbs.

<> The hangers or brackets supplied by the manufacturer must be used.

<> The extinguisher must be located within 10ft. of the kitchen.

<> The top of the extinguisher must not be more than 5ft. above the floor.

<> The extinguisher must be visible and in a readily accessible location, not blocked by furniture, storage or other items.

<> The extinguisher must be near a room exit or travel path that provides an escape route to the exterior.

<> The owner’s manual must be present along with the extinguisher.

<> The extinguisher must be installed with the operating instructions clearly visible.

<> All new extinguishers do not have to be tagged as long as there is proof of purchase available at the time of inspection.

PLEASE REVIEW THE OPERATION OF YOUR FIRE EXTINGUISHER.
CLICK ON THE ABOVE LINK TO REFER TO NFPA FIRE EXTINGUISHER SAFETY TIPS

<> The fee for a fire safety compliance certificate is $50.00.

<>  A re-inspection will result in an additional $25.00 fee for each additional re-inspection. 

<> Payment can be made by cash or check,
      make checks payable to the BOROUGH OF MADISON.

<> A certificate will be presented at the successful completion of the inspection.

Any questions please call (973) 593-3021 and an on-duty firefighter will be happy to assist.