Governor Cuomo Supports Fire Sprinkler Legislation

On Tuesday, August 5, Governor Cuomo signed legislation that will ensure prospective tenants and homebuyers are properly informed about the fire safety of the particular home they intend to move into. Legislation S5212A, A7641A will require all apartments or homes in New York to prominently display information on the home’s level of fire protection, including whether the structure is protected by a fire sprinkler system. This is a step in the right direction for New York State, and I would like to thank Governor Cuomo for passing this much-needed legislation.

In addition, Governor Cuomo signed bills A7916A and S4610A, which would require builders to provide homebuyers with information on installing residential fire sprinkler systems. The legislation (in theory) would ensure that all New York homebuyers are informed of how fire sprinklers work, as well as how much they cost to install.

It is important that homebuyers are receiving the proper information regarding the installation, cost and proper maintenance of a residential automatic fire protection system in New York State as well as the benefits which surpass the obvious life and property saving capabilities. Given the recent passage of A7916A and S4610A, I am optimistic about what the fire safety industry and the real estate community can achieve together, to educate New York residents on the true effects of maximizing fire protection in our state. Homebuilders and residential fire sprinkler proponents have historically been on different sides of the isle when it came to residential automatic fire protection legislation and the opportunity to work together should be seen as a benefit to all New Yorkers.

With the Governor having signed the Kerry Rose Act in 2013 as well as these two laws, it is clear that this administration is receptive to residential fire sprinklers in apartments, as well as one and two-family homes. After 32 years as a firefighter I can tell you that it is going to take more than a brochure to keep New York residents safe from the ravages of fire however the enactment of this legislation should allow for homebuilder, real estate professionals and fire industry professionals to work together towards meaningful fire code reform. You can learn more about residential fire sprinklers at www.homefiresprinkler.org

Sincerely,

Dominick Kasmauskas

New York Regional Manager, National Fire Sprinkler Association