Short-Term Rental Fire Safety

Fire Extinguishers

Selection of a fire extinguisher for resident use should be made with the understanding of an extinguisher's capacity (or its rating) along with the potential fire hazards in the residence.

The following are minimum per floor level:

• A single extinguisher rated 2-A:10-B:C or higher
• Or one extinguisher rated 2-A or higher and a second extinguisher rated 10-B:C or higher

• The most common type is a dry chemical
• Annual inspections by licensed fire extinguisher vendor
• Must be at a visible and accessible location

Attached Garages:

• One extinguisher rated 2-A:10-B:C or higher should be provided to protect an attached garage that is under the residence or connected to the residence by a common wall.

Smoke Alarms

• Installed inside and outside of every sleeping area/bedroom and on every level of the home
• Interconnected: when one smoke alarm sounds, they all sound (Alarms can be wired or wireless)
• Smoke alarms should be installed at least 10 feet (3 meters) from a cooking appliance to minimize false alarms when cooking
• Mount smoke alarms high on walls or ceilings (remember, smoke rises). Wall-mounted alarms should be installed not more than 12 inches away from the ceiling (to the top of the alarm)
• Not expired or greater than 10 years old

Carbon Monoxide (CO Alarms)

• Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas produced by fuel-burning appliances and machines
• The only way to detect CO in your home is with a CO alarm
• Every home with a fuel-burning appliance, attached garage, or fireplace should have a CO alarm. Install one alarm per level in the hallway near each bedroom or sleeping area
• Alarms should be placed at least 5 feet away from a CO source

Escape Routes

• Ensure 2 ways out of every room
• No obstructions such as furniture blocking exits or paths
• Ensure doors and windows are in operable condition

Additional Requirements

• Address shall be easily identifiable from the street/road, minimum 4 inches tall
• We recommend inline shutoff timers for gas grills, fireplaces, or similar devices
• Eliminate any electrical hazards including loose outlets, open circuits, etc.
• If Residential Fire sprinklers are installed they must be inspected annually and maintained in operable condition (records provided upon request) including ensuring they are not painted

Short-Term Rental Fire Safety Requirements

Town of Hilton Head Island Short-term rentals must follow specific Fire Rescue safety requirements. This includes the need for fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and carbon monoxide detectors to be present in the rental property.

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