We encourage you to read the following updates on the State of VT requirements for the installation and use of smoke & carbon monoxide alarms.   As your agent, we want to make sure that you are compliant with the new rules and it will be mandatory beginning January 1, 2009.

Here are the basics:

• Any single-family dwelling when transferred, by sale or exchange, is required to contain photoelectric-only-type smoke detectors in the vicinity of any bedrooms and on each level of the dwelling installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• NEW Construction: A person who constructs a single-family dwelling is required to install photoelectric-only-type smoke detectors in the vicinity of any bedrooms and on each level of the dwelling.
• In a single-family dwelling constructed before January 1, 1994 may contain smoke detectors powered by the electrical service in the building OR by battery, or by a combination of both.
• In a single-family dwelling newly constructed after January 1, 1994 that is provided with electrical power, smoke detectors shall be powered by the electrical service in the building AND by battery.
• CO alarms are required to be installed in the vicinity of any bedrooms for all new dwellings and dwellings that are sold or transferred, beginning July 1, 2005.  (Must be powered by the electrical service in the building in dwellings built after July 1, 2005.)

In all cases, the seller of a single-family dwelling, including one constructed for first occupancy, whether the transfer is by sale or exchange, shall certify to the buyer at the closing of the transaction that the dwelling is provided with photoelectric-only-type smoke detectors (see enclosure). The requirement in this act for the installation of “photoelectric-only-type” smoke detectors does not prohibit and does not discourage the additional use of separately powered ionization or photoelectric/ionization combination smoke detectors.

If you have any questions please feel free to give us a call or visit the Department of Public Safety website: http://www.dps.state.vt.us/fire/.