Smoke Detectors: Possible Massachusetts Legislature Action ?
 

The Massachusetts Legislature reportedly is taking a look at requirements for smoke detectors in fraternity and sorority houses. As I have in the in the past, I’m mentioning this just an FYI for GLOs, house corporations, and RM officers who may want to track what’s going on in Massachusetts:

From the web site of a Sudbury MA news source:

“ OTHER PUBLIC SAFETY BILLS - The Public Safety Committee's hearing also included measures to . . . mandate that all fraternity and sorority houses be equipped with hard-wired smoke detectors in common hallway areas (H 2220) . . . .”

http://www.wickedlocal.com/sudbury/n...Hill-Roll-Call

what there isn't already a requirement in Mass for smoke detectors in residences? That's unusual if true.

Jeez... smoke detectors?

We have to have a sprinkler system if more than three members live in the house.

Yeah in NJ all student housing including Fraternity Houses require a sprinkler system. Doesn't matter if the house is school owned or privatly owned.

At first I was like, "What?? What chapter *doesn't* have a smoke detector??" Then I read again and noted that this proposes the installation of hard-wired smoke detectors, which is a little more complicated than just slapping up any $5 battery-operated one from the local hardware store.

Given that Greek houses generally tend to sleep more individuals than regular homes, I support the measure to increase fire safety in Greek housing.

.....Kelly :)

I agree, it's more complicated and expensive than battery-operated detectors.

I agree with that too! It may cost a little bit more, but the added safety is a bonus/benefit. I cant think of a reason why a Facility Corporation Board wouldnt agree to it. If the money isnt there, to me this would be a great reason to start a capital campaign to make it happen.

There are also situations where the installation of something costly or complicated paid for itself in insurance savings in a few years. These costs are also things that parents may make a small donation for, as it is a safety item for their chlidren.

i hope people realize that hard wire runs from electricity. if there is an electrical problem, oops.
battery operated or not bad as long as the house manager makes sure are replaced.
wouldn't we all love to have sprinkler systems installed, but guess what, it is cost prohibitave in older houses. many will go broke or be out of their houses.
the problems in these economic times, i don't know if parents will donate any money for frivilous things like glos houseing. just a thought.

:confused:

I miss Drolefille.

You might want to take a Berlitz course and work on your English.

I have these same smoke detectors in my home. They are hard wired and have a battery. It is a double back up system and saves me money on my insurance. If a capital campaign is started it is imperative that the costs of safety and accessibility be included.

I'd rather have no house than a house people die in for the sake of having a house or to cite money. No person's life is worth losing, a house is replaceable, people are not.

Yes installing a sprinkler system is very expensive, but well worth the money spent for safety sake. Back when Bama declared that sprinklers were required it was understood that due to the cost not every house could afford to do it immediately. It had to be the #1 task before any other remodelling project was undertaken.

5 NPC groups have mandated fire sprinklers in all their houses. Kappa Alpha Theta was the first. Mississippi has mandated it for the entire state since the
fire at the ATO house at Ole Miss. Various other cities and campuses have as well - Columbia, MO; Athens-Clarke County, GA,etc. Check out www.campusfire.org

Were you aware that 'hard wiring' is actually referring to electricity? It comes from the walls! OMG!
Yes, an electrical problem, like a fire.
College students can totally be trusted to not remove batteries from smoke detectors. I mean it's not like there are no-smoking signs on bathrooms across the country, and flight attendants never warn you about tampering with them on a plane!

Guess what! Major safety changes can be expensive! It's far better that people die in a fire, like a fraternity brother did in my hometown than people have to leave unsafe houses!

Yeah their children dying is totally frivilousnessity.
<3

Sorry this is short on the humor, the material was subpar. ;)

^^^ Whoa! Welcome back :)