Fire Safety Standards & Exemption Waiver Process

For recovery residence operators and partners

Overview

This training, hosted by NHPRR in partnership with the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office, provides certified recovery residence owners, operators, and community partners with an overview of fire safety requirements for recovery homes in New Hampshire.

Participants will learn about the state fire code exemption process under RSA 153:10-d, common fire and life safety issues found during inspections, and the steps involved in requesting a fire code variance through the State Fire Marshal’s Office. The training also covers practical compliance topics, including electrical safety, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, evacuation plans and drills, escape windows, dryer vent safety, posted emergency information, and annual fire inspection expectations.

The webinar reinforces NHPRR’s commitment to supporting safe, ethical, and legally compliant recovery housing across New Hampshire.

Objectives

• Describe the purpose of RSA 153:10-d and how it applies to recovery residences seeking exemptions from certain State Fire Code requirements.
• Identify common fire safety violations found in recovery homes, including blocked electrical panels, improper use of extension cords or multi-plug adapters, missing covers on electrical boxes, and unsafe dryer venting.
• Explain basic fire safety expectations for recovery residences, including visible street numbers, no-smoking areas, written evacuation plans, monthly evacuation drills, escape windows, and smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
• Understand when additional fire alarm requirements may apply, including requirements for homes with more than eight occupants.
• Navigate the fire code variance process, including how to apply through the State Fire Marshal’s myGov portal and what to expect during the inspection and follow-up process.
• Develop a practical compliance plan in coordination with local fire officials, the State Fire Marshal’s Office, and NHPRR.

Your Instructor(s)

Phil Byron
Deputy Fire Marshal
Bureau of Building Safety and Construction
New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office

Additional support was provided by:

Jessica Plante
New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office
Field contact for recovery home inspections and the variance process

The training was also facilitated by Laura Wargo, Director of NHPRR, who provided NHPRR-specific context about certification, variance documentation, annual inspection expectations, and compliance planning.