November 01, 2019 - NJ Division of Fire Safety Reminds Residents to Check Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Batteries this Weekend

As of January 1, 2019, the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code (UFC) requires a certificate of smoke alarm compliance before any person may sell, lease or change occupancy of any one-family or two-family dwelling in the state. The owner of the property may only obtain a certificate of compliance through the borough or township having jurisdiction over the home's location. A smoke alarm certificate is valid for six months from the date of issue.

For Immediate Release: Friday, November 01, 2019

The Division is Issuing Smoke and CO Alarm Updates as Daylight Saving Time Ends

Trenton, NJ – The Division of Fire Safety is reminding residents that the end of daylight saving time is this Sunday, November 3 at 2 a.m. The time change brings the traditional annual reminder from fire service officials to check and change your smoke and CO alarm batteries. 

“Governor Murphy and I are urging everyone to take 10 minutes to check your smoke and CO alarms as daylight saving time comes to an end,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs. “Functioning smoke and CO alarms are proven life-savers and the simple act of checking and changing their batteries will help keep you and your loved ones safe.” 

Richard Mikutsky, Director and State Fire Marshal of the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety cautions, “Smoke and CO alarms with conventional batteries are being replaced with those powered by ten-year sealed lithium batteries,” adding “A working smoke alarm is your assurance that in the event of a fire in your home, you’ll have enough of a warning to escape.” 

The Fire Marshal also stresses the importance of working smoke alarms that are less than 10 years old and installed properly on every level of the home.

The Fire Marshal advises the following steps should be followed when assessing and examining smoke alarms in your home:

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement.
• Smoke alarms with non-replaceable (long-life) batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away.
• Be sure the smoke alarm includes the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
• Replace smoke alarms every 10 years. Replace them with 10-year sealed battery models.
• Develop and practice a home escape plan with all members of the household.
• Close interior doors before retiring for the evening.
• Check the exhaust screen on home clothes dryers and remove accumulated lint, which is a common fire hazard in the home.

Fire Marshal Mikutsky also notes that in addition to those checks is the new regulation governing residential smoke alarms when there is a change of occupancy in a residence.

As of January 1, 2019, the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code (UFC) requires a certificate of smoke alarm compliance before any person may sell, lease or change occupancy of any one-family or two-family dwelling in the state. The owner of the property may only obtain a certificate of compliance through the borough or township having jurisdiction over the home's location. A smoke alarm certificate is valid for six months from the date of issue.

 A homeowner or property renter must install a smoke alarm on each floor of a residential dwelling, including the basement, common stairwells and hallways, and a maximum 10 feet outside of each separate sleeping area.

The law does not require the interconnection of smoke alarms. Alarms may use battery power or operate on 120-volt house current. 

The Division of Fire Safety serves as the central fire service agency in the State. The Division is responsible for the development and enforcement of the State Uniform Fire Code, as well as engaging the public on community risk reduction strategies, assisting in fire department preparedness and conducting firefighter training programs. 

DCA was established in 1967 and today offers a wide range of programs and services, including energy assistance, housing vouchers, affordable housing production, fire and building safety, community planning and development, local government management and finance, and disaster recovery. 

For more information about DCA, visit https://nj.gov/dca/ or follow the Department on social media: