Maryland Headlines
Fire Alarm Systems Failing to Meet Audibility Levels Set by County Code
An estimated 90% of residential properties in Montgomery County do not meet the requirements for audibility of the current fire alarm evacuation signal. The Code requires that the alarm signal meets a specific decibel level “at the pillow” in the occupiable area. Most existing systems can not be upgraded and new Fire Alarm systems will have to be installed, which can be very expensive. The County recognizes the impact of enforcing this requirement and will work cooperatively on a case-by-case basis with each address to ensure compliance. A contract between the property owner and the County, in the form of a Fire Protection Agreement, may be used to outline a plan of action and compliance timetable.
