Smoke Detectors

Detecting an Emergency

Working smoke detectors are the most effective and inexpensive means of detecting a fire in the home. The Natick Fire Department recommends that families replace smoke detector batteries at least twice each year. An easy way to remember to do this is to change the batteries whenever you change your clocks to and from daylight savings time.

Selling Your Home

When a resident sells his or her home, Massachusetts General Law Chapter 148 Section 26F requires that they equip their home with approved smoke detectors. The Natick Fire Department will conduct an inspection of the home and determine whether there is sufficient smoke detector coverage and to assure that they are properly installed. If the proper criteria is met, the seller will be given a Certificate of Compliance by the inspector. This certificate must be presented at the time of closing.

Inspections

Inspections are conducted Monday - Friday between the hours of 3 - 4 p.m. Appointments can be made by calling the Joint Dispatch Center at 508-647-9550. There is a $50 fee for this service.

The requirements for Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors vary greatly according to what year your home was constructed, or as noted below if you home underwent significant renovation.  To best identify the needs for your home to pass inspection, please refer to the Department of Fire Services Guide to Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Requirements.

Addition / Renovation Requirements

These requirements for new construction also apply to additions and/or renovations where a bedroom is either added or substantially altered. If an addition or renovation involves adding or substantially altering a bedroom, the entire house, including existing bedrooms must be brought up to the present standard according to the Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR), regardless of the age of the house.

House Numbers / House Identification

And don’t forget house numbers! Massachusetts General Law 148 Section 59 requires that all homes and businesses have numbers of sufficient size and affixed in such a way as to be visible from the street. So while we’re out to inspect your smoke detectors, we’ll also be looking for those house numbers! We would be unable to grant the smoke detector a Certificate of Compliance if the house is not properly marked. Remember, we can’t help you if we can’t find you!

If you have any questions, call 508-647-9556 or email the Fire Department.