TALLAHASSEE, FL. (WTXL) - Beginning January 1, millions of families with battery operated smoke alarms will see a change in their home requirements.
In an attempt to reduce deaths from house fires, the Florida Building Code will now require homeowners to install a 10-year, sealed battery smoke alarm in the home when replacing outdated or nonworking alarms.
According to data released by United Technologies Corp., of the 114 deaths in 2014, 43% occurred in homes that did not have a smoke alarm.
Missing or disconnected batteries are a main reason smoke alarms fail to operate in residential fires.
