FAQs • Calvert County, MD • CivicEngage

What is the Maryland Smoke Alarm Law?: Effective January 1, 2018
For existing homes:
Smoke alarm requirements for existing homes are based on when the home was constructed. NFPA only requires smoke alarms outside each sleeping area and one on each level of the home. It also recommends that existing homes be equipped with the same number of smoke alarms required inside all sleeping rooms.
For New Construction:
New construction in Maryland has been updated and corresponds with the International Residential Code and NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code. An AC powered, battery back-up smoke alarm is required in every bedroom, in the common area outside of the bedrooms and on every other level of the dwelling unit, all required smoke alarms will be interconnected

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Public Safety - Fire, Rescue and EMS

1. What is the Maryland Smoke Alarm Law?: Effective January 1, 2018
For existing homes:
Smoke alarm requirements for existing homes are based on when the home was constructed. NFPA only requires smoke alarms outside each sleeping area and one on each level of the home. It also recommends that existing homes be equipped with the same number of smoke alarms required inside all sleeping rooms.
For New Construction:
New construction in Maryland has been updated and corresponds with the International Residential Code and NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code. An AC powered, battery back-up smoke alarm is required in every bedroom, in the common area outside of the bedrooms and on every other level of the dwelling unit, all required smoke alarms will be interconnected

2. When can I burn leaves and debris at my residence?: You can burn any time after 4 p.m. seven days a week EXCEPT during the Calvert County Burn Ban, which lasts from June 1 through September 1 every year AND in locations where there are “Burn Ordinances”, such as the beaches. You must burn away from wooded areas or structures and you must have a water supply nearby. Fires must be attended at all times and must be put out by midnight. Notify the Calvert Control Center (410-535-1600,ext. 2230 or 410-535- 3491) prior to conducting controlled burns in case someone calls 9-1-1 stating that they see smoke in your area.

3. What is the Fire Rescue Commission and How is it Associated with the Calvert County Government?: The Fire Rescue Commission review fire department and rescue squad's financing, distributes county funds appropriated for these services, and drafts plans consistent with the County's Comprehensive Plan.
Composition:
The Commission shall consist of six members who shall be determined as follows:(1) one member from each election district shall be appointed by the Board of County Commissioners from a list submitted by County Volunteer Fire Rescue and EMS Associations, none of whom shall be members of a County Fire Department or Rescue Squad; 2) one member of a County Fire Department and one member from a County Rescue Squad to be elected by the County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association; and 3) a County Commissioner or their designee. The term of each member is four years