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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2019 - 2020
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | March 15, 2019 09:49 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative F. Todd Polinchock and Rep. Frank A. Farry |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Smoke Alarm Legislation |
| In the near future, we plan to introduce legislation that will significantly improve public safety in Pennsylvania by strengthening requirements for smoke alarms. Pennsylvania has the 3rd most civilian fire deaths in the U.S. in 2018, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. 3 of every 5 home fire deaths occur in homes with no working smoke alarm, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). A common issue during fire deaths is the presence of smoke alarms that are not working. Power source issues are the leading reason why smoke alarms fail to operate in home fires. 70% of alarms failed to sound because the batteries were missing, disconnected or dead. A proven solution is installing 10-year tamper resistant smoke alarms. This type of alarm directly addresses issues related to battery removal and failed maintenance of smoke alarms by consumers. Following a two-year phase in period, our legislation would require that all rental properties in Pennsylvania install 10-year tamper resistant smoke alarms when a new occupant takes residence, when a smoke alarm is being replaced or a new alarm is being installed. Also, the legislation would require that only 10-year tamper resistant smoke alarms be sold in Pennsylvania, starting two years after the effective date of the Act. This will allow retailers to sell off their current stock. Most retailers currently sell 10-year smoke detectors. All major U.S. manufacturers of smoke alarms make a 10-year tamper resistant product. This legislation will improve public safety and result in significant reductions in smoke and fire related injuries and deaths. Please join us in co-sponsoring this important legislation. |
Introduced as HB1236