The Centre Region Council of Governments (COG) will require installation of residential sprinklers and carbon monoxide detectors in new homes as of January 1, 2011 -- even if the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania does not pass a statewide law on the matter.
The code changes were proposed by the International Code Conference (ICC) about six months ago and were first discussed with regards to Centre County during the General Forum Nov. 24, COG Executive Director James Steff said.
"It's being considered by the state, and in theory, the state should just adopt the ICC amendments," he said. "Previously, municipalities designed their own codes, which produced a number of problems in terms of firefighter safety and having buildings durable enough."
COG Fire Director Steve Bair said requiring the installation of sprinklers and carbon monoxide detectors in new homes will increase safety for homeowners and firefighters.
"It's a passionate thing for me. If you're going to build with lightweight materials, you have to do something so homes aren't collapsing around everyone," he said. "The smart, cost-effective way is to put in sprinklers."
Since the General Forum in November, COG staff members have met with each of Centre County's municipalities to discuss the proposed code changes.
"It's a significant public safety issue, and we appreciate the support of the boards," Bair said. "We would like the authority to plot our own destiny with regard to risk and safety. Municipalities should have the right to improve the code as they see fit."
State College Borough Council President Elizabeth Goreham said she thinks putting sprinklers in residences is a good idea.
"It would really benefit us, because we're dependent on volunteers," Goreham said about local firefighters. "We ought to push this and even though it's anticipated, there will be some pushback from builders."
The fire sprinkler proposal could meet more opposition from Centre County residents and builders because of increased costs, Bair said, but added that he didn't know exactly how much installing and purchasing sprinklers for new houses would cost.
Improved building technology and lightweight construction materials can cause fires, Bair said.
"When a house catches fire, those new systems catch fire three times faster, and firefighters are getting into a lot of trouble because things are collapsing earlier than before," he said.
New technology in windows and insulation can make newer homes more airtight than older models, causing air pollution and increasing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, Bair added. Carbon monoxide detectors could decrease the number of carbon monoxide-related deaths in the area, he said.
