Carbon Monoxide Safety
Most Homeowners Will Need to Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors by July 1, 2011
A new state law (Senate Bill 183) requires all single-family homes with an attached garage or a *fossil fuel source to install Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors within the home by July 1, 2011. Owners of multi-family leased or rental dwellings, such as apartment buildings, have until January 1, 2013 to comply with the law. (*fossil fuel means coal, kerosene, oil, wood, fuel gases, and other petroleum or hydrocarbon products which emit carbon monoxide as a by product of combustion).
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Often called the silent killer, carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning in the United States. It is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas created when fuels (such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, oil, and methane) burn incompletely. In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel can be sources of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide enters the body through breathing. CO poisoning can be confused with flu symptoms, food poisoning and other illnesses. Some symptoms include shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, or headaches. High levels of CO can be fatal, causing death within minutes.
Potential Sources of Carbon Monoxide in the Home
Blocked chimney, fireplace, indoor grilling, furnace, attached garage, clothes dryer, portable heater, water heater
CO Safety tips
- CO alarms must be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. (Must be either battery-powered or plug-in with battery backup.)
- When more than one alarm is installed, they must be interconnected so that activation of one alarm activates all of the alarms in the individual unit.
- Test CO alarms at least once a month; replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- If the CO alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Make sure everyone inside the home is accounted for. Call for help from a fresh air location and stay there until emergency personnel arrives.
- If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Do not run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open.
- A generator should be used in a well-ventilated location outdoors away from windows, doors and vent openings.
- Gas or charcoal grills can produce CO; Only use outside.