REQUIREMENTS FOR FIRE EXTINGUISHERS IN ONE AND TWO FAMILY DWELLINGS

The Legislature amended and enacted P.L.1991, c. 92 (C.52:27D-198.1), requiring that all one and two family dwellings at a change of occupancy be provided with a portable fire extinguisher, in addition to the requirements for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. This act was signed into law on April 14, 2005 with an effective date of November 1, 2005.

The Division of Fire Safety is advising all local enforcing agencies to enforce the regulations; using the guidelines below.

The requirements for the type and placement of the extinguishers are as follows:

1) At least one portable fire extinguisher shall be installed in all one and two family dwellings upon change of occupancy;

2) The extinguisher shall be listed, labeled, charged, and operable;

3) The size shall be no smaller than 2-A:10B:C, rated for residential use and weigh no more than 10 lbs;

4) The hangers or brackets supplied by the manufacturer must be used;

5) The extinguisher must be located within 10 feet of the kitchen;

6) The top of the extinguisher must not be more than 5 feet above the floor;

7) The extinguisher must be visible and in a ready accessible location, free from being blocked by furniture, storage, or other items;

8) The extinguisher must be near a room exit or travel path that provides an escape route to the exterior;

9) The extinguisher must be accompanied by an owner’s manual or written information regarding the operation, inspection, and maintenance of the extinguisher; and

10) Lastly, the extinguisher must be installed with the operating instructions clearly visible.

New fire extinguishers are not required to be serviced and tagged, as long as the seller or agent can provide proof of purchase or receipt.

Home Safety Tips

Smoke detectors save lives, but only if they are working!
Check to make sure you have a working smoke detector on every level of your home. Also check your carbon monoxide detector or purchase one if you do not have one. Remember, change your clock, change your batteries!!!

Is your house number clearly visible from the street?
Visible house numbers let emergency responders know where you are in an emergency!

Use of extension cords!
The small household extension cords you use in your house are meant for temporary use, not as a permanent outlet. Be sure you are not overloading these cords, as they are not rated to carry the same load as the circuits in your house. Also, do not put these cords in door frames or in areas where they can be damaged.

Home cooling systems!
Have your home cooling system serviced to avoid hazards!

Do you know two ways out of your house in an emergency?
You and your family should know two ways out of your house in an emergency. If your normal route out of the house is blocked by fire, know a second way out. Discuss and plan with your family, establish a meeting place outside, and once you get out, stay out. Three in the morning is not the time to figure out what to do in an emergency!

 Questions?             Want more information?

Contact the Allenhurst Fire Bureau at 732-531-2757