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It’s the Law!! CO device is Required in All SFR

By
Real Estate Agent with 951-290-8588 BRE # 01178979

It’s the Law!! CO device is Required in All SFRWarning sign

With regard to all real estate transactions in the state of California, a carbon monoxide device MUST be installed in all single-family residences—it’s the law! California joins over 25 states which have enacted a similar law.

The law, as of July 1, 2011,  applies to homes that have a fossil fuel burning heater or appliance, fireplace or an attached garage.

The carbon monoxide device should be installed outside of each separate dwelling unit sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedroom, and it should be on every level of the home, including the basement.

While detectors installed in newly constructed homes must be hard-wired in to the house, devices for existing homes can be battery-operated or plug in with a battery backup. Devices that operate as both smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are also available.

Carbon monoxide kills more than 500 people each year and severely injures another 20,000 people nationwide.

Carbon monoxide is produced by burning fuels such as gas, oil, wood or coal. Upon inhalation, the gas enters the bloodstream and decreases the ability of blood to carry oxygen to vital organs.

Initial symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, light-headedness or headaches. If you or other members of your home are experiencing these symptoms, immediately leave your home and get fresh air.  Call for medical help after getting out of your home.

Because people cannot smell or see it, it is often referred to as "the silent killer," meaning people may not know they are being poisoned.

Like fire detectors, you will want to install carbon monoxide detectors on high walls or ceilings, and not place them in low areas where they can be tampered with by children or pets.

If you’re carbon monoxide detectors start beeping, you’ll want to take the following steps:
  • Turn off carbon monoxide detector and get everyone outside.
  • Check to see if anyone is suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning.  If so, call 911.
  • Open windows in home to get fresh air circulating.
  • Turn off all appliances and heating systems.
  • Call an appliance or heating professional to check for a carbon monoxide leak.
  • Following these steps will help to protect your family in the event of a carbon monoxide leak.

If you are a Real Estate Agent reading this, save your clients from this tragedy. Tell them to install a carbon monoxide device today. If you are a member of the general public, a seller or a buyer, please know the law, and more importantly, prevent a possible tragedy in your home.

Posted by


Sandy Acevedo ~Your Neighbor in Real Estate ~ Whether it is to buy or sell property

                 in Riverside or San Bernadino County, I can help!~

 

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Sandy Acevedo   Cell: (951) 290-8588  BRE #01178979

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Comments (9)

Tim Lorenz
TIM LORENZ - Elite Home Sales Team - Mission Viejo, CA
949 874-2247

We just had the same law passed in CA.  Why all of a sudden are these laws popping up?

Jul 17, 2011 06:42 PM
Doug Bullwinkel
E Mortgage Capital, Inc. NMLS 1416824 - Roseville, CA
Mortgage Loan Officer NMLS #281609

This became law on July 1 but I think there are still a lot of consumers and landlords that are not aware of this yet.  Thanks for the information.

Jul 17, 2011 06:47 PM
Sandy Acevedo
951-290-8588 - Chino Hills, CA
RE/MAX Masters, Inland Empire Homes for Sale

Hi Tim, I was talking about California. And there are close to 25 other states that also have this same law. There seem to be a lot of deaths and injuries due carbon monoxicide and which these detectors will help eliminate.

Jul 17, 2011 06:50 PM
Sandy Acevedo
951-290-8588 - Chino Hills, CA
RE/MAX Masters, Inland Empire Homes for Sale

You're welcome, Doug. Help spread the word.

Jul 17, 2011 06:52 PM
Aida Pinto
Independent Real Estate Broker - Los Angeles, CA
Real Estate Broker (562) 884-6196

Yes...Sandy...thanks for this....and Doug is right...I don't think all homeowners are aware of

Jul 17, 2011 08:18 PM
Toni Weidman
Sailwinds Realty - Trinity, FL
20+ Years Selling Homes in New Port Richey, FL

I think it will become the standard here in Florida at some point also so I'm trying to get the word out about how important this is. Great post, Sandy.

Jul 18, 2011 02:01 AM
Daniel H. Fisher
www.FisherHermanRealty.com (704) 617-3544 - Charlotte, NC
MCRP - Charlotte Real Estate, NC or SC

In Mecklenburg County (Charlotte area), NC, there is also a requirement that every home sold in the County, including new and existing homes must have a CO detector.  The National Fire Protection Association has a code , number 720, 2-1.1.2* 1998 states that " A carbon monoxide alarm or detector should be centrally located outside of each separated sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms. Where bedrooms are separated and the audibility of the alarm or detector to occupants within the bedroom area could be seriously impaired, more than one unit could be needed. Each alarm or detector should be located on the wall, ceiling, or other location as specified in the installation instructions that accompany the unit." .  

Jul 18, 2011 02:30 AM
Sandy Acevedo
951-290-8588 - Chino Hills, CA
RE/MAX Masters, Inland Empire Homes for Sale

Hi Aida, please help spread the word. It is not enough to wait until a home is to be sold. It begins NOW.

Hi Steve and Natalie, nice going on installing it yourself.

Hi Toni, There's a story going around about a man who installed this thinking it was a smoke detector and saved his family when Mom brought home the new baby and they turned on the heater. So it is very important!

Hi Daniel, sounds similar to here, but the law here was for the whole state. Yours is just county-wide?

Jul 18, 2011 04:08 AM