MASON CITY, IA-Building a new house may be more expensive in the next couple years. That extra cost could save your life.
lobbyers are pushing for a new code in Iowa requiring fire sprinklers in new homes.
Mason City Fire Chief, Bob Platts says installing a sprinkler system could roughly set you back about three thousand dollars.
He says he fully supports the push for sprinklers, since 80 percent of fire deaths happen in a home.
Chief Platts said, "what price do you put on life so when you look at homes, regular smoke detectors, they have benefited to a point, but by putting in sprinklers, it will not only contain the fire, but will put the fire out."
Chief Platts says the sprinklers also keep his fire fighters safe. He explains the city is growing but his staff is getting smaller.
