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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- Home safety continues to improve in Iowa.

Our Fact Finder team looked at new regulations taking effect Thursday regarding smoke detectors.

Deputy Chief Michael Jones tells Fact Finder the new dual sensor detectors include both photoelectric and ionization sensors to pick up both slow and fast burning fires.

“They will pick up a slower type burning fire, say like a cigarette that was dropped on a couch or something and sits there smoldering for a long time. That sensor will pick up that slow burning type fire that way,” said Jones.

All new structures require the dual sensors in each bedroom and one on each occupied levels. 

In existing homes, the old detectors need to be replaced with the new dual sensors in their natural lifespan.  Jones says this every 10 years.

“The reason for the change is that most of the older smoke detectors only have one sensor in them.  They either detect fast burning fire or slow smoldering fire.  With the new dual sensor type smoke detectors, they will sense both types of fires to give you that more adept protection,” Jones said.

Fact Finder also discovered the new regulations were originally supposed to take effect last fall, but manufactures had inadequate supplies and the date was pushed back until April 1st.