New Rules For Smoke Alarms To Take Effect

There will be new restrictions on smoke alarms sold in California beginning July 1. That's when a state law will take effect requiring all new smoke alarms and alarms that detect both smoke and carbon monoxide to be powered by a sealed 10-year battery.  

Cal Fire's Dennis Mathison says it's an all too common occurrence for people to take the batteries out of their smoke alarms, thinking they'll replace them later but never getting around to it.

Mathison says it's impossible to take the batteries out of the new models, which is a big improvement.

"There's just too many opportunities for the smoke alarm to be deactivated," he says. "So this new design is much better and hopefully will lead to more lives saved."  

Cal Fire recommends you install smoke alarms in every bedroom, in the hallways leading to the bedrooms, and on each level of your home, including the basement. The agency says about two-thirds of fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms.