New Bill Requires 10-Year, Non-Removable Batteries For Smoke Detectors
By Steve Tawa
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Mayor Nutter has signed legislation requiring that homeowners who have older, battery-operated smoke alarms installed to replace the devices.
The bill requires all user-installable smoke detectors to have 10-year, non-removable batteries.
Since the early 1980's, the fire code has required smoke detectors in one and two family dwellings. Since 1988, all new construction was required to have hard-wired smoke detectors.
But Mayor Nutter says non-compliance is a serious issue that has turned tragic all too often.
"In 2011, 34% of the homes in Philadelphia had no batteries in their smoke alarms, and 22% had dead batteries," Mayor Nutter says.
The new ordinance requires 10-year lithium battery-powered smoke alarms.
Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers says they cost a few dollars more than traditional smoke detectors.
"But when you stop and look over the 10-year period by not buying the 9-volt batteries, it's a significant savings," Ayers explains.
