Hanson Fire Department, Fire Prevention Division
LT. Gary Smith, Fire Prevention Officer
As of July 1, 2005 Carbon Monoxide detectors are required in all homes in Hanson, including apartments.
Hard-wired 110volt Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors are required in all NEW CONSTRUCTION, or substantial renovations of existing homes. If you are unsure, call to make sure.
Homes with existing hard-wired or battery powered detectors, may use battery powered CO detectors.
Detectors should be installed on each level of the home and outside of each separate sleeping area.
Plug-in CO detectors are only allowed if they have a battery back-up and are able to be plugged in in the area outside of sleeping areas and on each level. Carbon Monoxide is slightly lighter than air, so protection from detectors at normal electrical plug level may not be as accurate as ceiling mounted detectors.
Combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are available through any electric supply house. Battery smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are available where ever smoke detectors are sold. You should purchase the type with a Voice that announces what type of alarm is sounding.
There will be no additional charge for carbon monoxide inspections when having your smoke detectors inspected for resale. The permit fee is $20.00.
Landlords are required to install and maintain carbon/monoxide and smoke detectors in all apartments.
FREE Smoke detectors for Senior Citizens !
In connection with the Hanson TRIAD council and Hanson Senior Center, Hanson Fire Department provides FREE smoke detectors to any Hanson Senior citizen who requests one.
To get your FREE smoke detector, call 781-293-9571.
Smoke Detectors Save Lives!
Smoke Detector Inspections: To Schedule a Smoke Detector Inspection call (781) 293-9571
Before you call, please make sure that your detectors work, and that your house number is in place and visible from the street. The permit fee is $20.00 by check only, made out to "The Town of Hanson". Inspection certificates are required by Massachusetts law, in order to close on the sale of a residence.
Condominiums with alarm systems, must have the results of their annual fire alarm system test on file with the fire dept. before an inspection of the individual unit can be performed.
Smoke detector locations-
In houses built after 1998: All Smoke detectors must be hard wired, with a battery back-up. Located in each bedroom and one outside of each separate sleeping area (hallways). There must also be one detector at the base of each stairway, and one on each level for every 1200 square feet. Detectors within 20 feet of a kitchen or bathroom must be photoelectric.
In houses built between 1972 and 1998: All detectors must be hard wired, one outside of each separate sleeping area, and one on each level at the base of each stair.
In houses built before 1972: Smoke detectors may be battery powered, located outside of each separate sleeping area and one on each level, at the base of each stair.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Massachusetts law require each home install a carbon monoxide detector on each level of your home and in the vicinity of sleeping areas. Follow the installation instructions that come with the detector or call HFD for exact locations.
House Numbers: All houses in Hanson are required by both state law and Hanson Town by-law to have the house number posted, in a contrasting color to the surrounding area. Visible from the street. If your home is not visible from the street you are also required to have a post with your house number clearly marked at the end of the driveway, on the same side of the road as the house. Mailbox numbers are only acceptable if the mailbox is alone, on the same side of the road as the house and the numbers are on both sides of the mailbox.
Heating Systems- Oil burners and gas fired appliances should be serviced annually by a licensed technician. Check with your local heating contractor to arrange a service schedule that assures your heating system is safe and as efficient as possible.
Chimneys: Should be cleaned at least once each year depending on how much it is used. People who heat mostly with wood should have their chimneys cleaned twice a year.
Space Heaters: Extreme caution should be used with portable space heaters. Make sure they are at least three feet from bedclothes, curtains, furniture or any other combustible. It is illegal to use unvented kerosene space heaters in any area of a home. These heaters are a fire risk, and produce large quantities of Carbon Monoxide, which can result in serious illness and death.
Note to Architects, Builders & Engineers
Sprinklers: The Town of Hanson has adopted MGL Chapter 148 sections 26 G, H & I. All buildings over 7,500 square feet (including basements), boarding houses, or with more than three residential units, must be protected by a system of automatic sprinklers. A sprinkler permit is $50.00.
Fire Alarms: Hanson does not use a municipal fire alarm system. All fire alarm systems must be connected to a UL/FM listed central station alarm service. Commercial or multi-unit residential alarm permits costs $50.00 plus $20.00 per residential unit.
Locking Key-Boxes: The Town of Hanson general by-laws require all new businesses and multi-unit residential properties to install a locking key box, of a type approved by the Fire Chief. HFD uses the Knox-Box system. applications and details are available from the HFD administrative office.
Questions on inspection services or current code requirements may be e-mailed to: Prevention@hansonfire.com