Iowa Department of Public Safety
Eugene T. Meyer, Commissioner
215 East 7th Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
Telephone Number: (515) 725-6182
Facsimile Number: (515) 725-6195

James F. Kenkel, Director

NEW RESIDENTIAL SMOKE DETECTOR REQUIREMENTS DELAYED SIX MONTHS

Des Moines, IOWA --- The State Fire Marshal is delaying the start date for the new residential smoke detector requirements. This October, all new construction homes were to be outfitted with dual sensor smoke detectors.  However, due to lack of supply from manufacturers, this new requirement is being delayed six months.  The major smoke detector manufacturers have assured the State Fire Marshal they will have an adequate supply of product on store shelves within six months.

Effective April 1, 2010, all newly constructed residential properties in the State of Iowa must be equipped with smoke detectors that have both photoelectric and ionization sensors.  In general, the term “residential properties,” refers to houses, hotels, motels, dormitories and apartments.  Existing residential properties do not need to have existing detectors changed out if they meet the manufacturer’s recommendations for use, installation and life expectancy.  However, after April 1, 2010, when it is time to replace smoke detectors in existing residential properties, they must be replaced with the dual sensor (photoelectric and ionization) detectors. 

To learn more about dual sensor detectors and how the new requirements apply to Iowans, visit:
http://www.dps.state.ia.us/fm/index.shtml

Fire Marshal Jim Kenkel commented, “We’re disappointed by the need to delay the new dual sensor smoke detector requirements.  We in the fire service believe these more sensitive detectors will save lives.  But, at the same time we must make sure Iowans can get the detectors.  We want to set everyone up for success with this new requirement that will now take effect on April 1st.”

The State Fire Marshal is working hard to inform both the public and private sectors of the new start date and the requirements regarding residential properties and dual sensor smoke detectors.

To enroll in the DPS E-mail Notification system simply log on to https://dpsemailnotify.iowa.gov and follow the instructions to enroll as a new user.