Each year, approximately 500 people die from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas knows as the 'silent killer.' It's produced by the incomplete burning of fuels, including: coal, wood, charcoal, oil, kerosene, propane, and natural gas. Products and equipment powered by internal combustian engines such as portable generators, cars, lawn mowers, and power washers also produce CO. Carbon monoxide is the leading cayse of accidental poisoning deaths in North America.
Here in Masachusetts, "Nicole's Law" was passed on November 4, 2005. Nicole's Law was named after 7-year old Nicole Garofalo, who died in January 2005 when her home was filled with deadly amounts of carbon monoxide. The furnace vents were blocked by snow during a power outage.
Carbon monoxide detectors are a must in all homes with fuel-burning appliances (i.e. furnace, water heater, range, cooktop or grill.) CO detectors are made to measure CO levels over time and sound an alarm before dangerous levels of CO accumulate in an environment, giving people enough warning to safely ventilate the area or evacuate.
CO detectors do not serve as smoke detectors and vice-versa. However, there are dual smoke / CO detectors that are sold. Some system-connected detectors also alert a monitoring service that can dispatch emergency services to the home.
Generally, it's good practice to have a CO detector on each level of the home and within a certain distance of the bedrooms. Requirements vary from state-to-state and town- to-town as far as placement in the home is concerned, please contact your local fire department or visit their website for more information.
-Melissa Ellison, Realtor
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