Effective February 1, 2011, all single-family and two-family homes in the state of Wisconsin will be required to have a carbon monoxide detector installed. This law was signed by former Governor Jim Doyle on March 10, 2010. (All existing multi-family structures were required to have carbon monoxide detectors installed effective April 1, 2010.)
What is carbon monoxide? It is an invisible, odorless, poisonous gas that cannot be detected by humans, but can cause death within a few minutes. It is oftentimes called "the silent killer," causing more than 2000 deaths each year.
This new law requires one detector to be installed in the basement and on each floor (excluding the attic) of the home, and new construction must have the detector hard-wired to comply with national model safety codes. Battery-operated detectors may be installed in existing homes and be combined with a smoke detector. Also, if the home does not have a basement, fuel-burning appliances, or fireplaces, it is exempt from this new law.
While no fines or penalties will be implemented if this law is not complied with, be aware that all home inspectors will be required to check for carbon monoxide detectors.
Whether or not you have plans to sell your home in the near future, don't take any chances. Make it a priority to have the proper number of detectors installed in your home for the safety of you and your family.
If you would like more information, contact Tom Larson, Director of Regulatory & Legislative Affairs at 608-240-8254 or tlarson@wra.org
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