Carbon Monoxide Alarms

Effective July 1, 2011, there is a phased requirement for carbon monoxide alarms in ALL dwellings in California. These are relatively inexpensive but important safety devices. 

What is carbon monoxide?  Often called the silent killer, carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless, and tasteless.  It is produced when any fuel such as gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane oil, and methane is burned incompletely.  When these fuels do not burn properly, carbon monoxide can build up and cause sickness or even death. Statistics show that carbon monoxide kills about 200 people in the U.S. every year. Under the legislation passed, homeowners and landlords are required to install carbon monoxide detectors within 15 feet of all rooms used for sleeping.  This law applies only to those occupancies that use fossil fuel to cook, heat or produce hot water or is connected to an enclosed garage.

Safety Measures

• Never burn charcoal inside your home or garage
• Never heat your home with your gas rant or oven
• Always open the chimney flue when you use your fireplace
• Never run a combustible engine, such as your care, lawn mower or snow blower in enclosed areas.

Installation & Safety Tips

• Install CO alarms within 15’ of any room used for sleeping in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
• Placing additional detectors on every level of a home provides extra protection against carbon monoxide poisoning
• Keep CO alarms clear of dust and debris
• Ensure CO alarms are plugged in all the way into a working outlet or if battery operated, have working batteries
• Test CO alarms at least once a month and replace them according to the manufacturer’s instructions

Recognize the Symptoms of CO Poisoning

• Dizziness, nausea, headache and coughing
• Irregular heartbeat
• Pale skin with cherry red lips and ear tips

Prevent CO Poisoning-Play it Safe!
If you experience symptoms:

• Call 911 or the local fire department
• Get fresh air and stay outside