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Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Carbon Monoxide Alarms Now Mandatory in California!

If you don't have a carbon monoxide alarm installed in your home or rental property, you are breaking the law now according to California Law. Don't worry too much, it's a pretty easy fix to keep you and/or your tenants safe.

Carbon Monoxide is a deadly gas that is odorless and colorless and kills about 500 people each year.  Senate Billl 183 is the bill that brought these changes outlined in the Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2010 in order to protect California homeowners and occupants. Here's what you can expect:

All properties that burn fossil fuel (gas, coal, etc) OR  have an attached garage will be required to install a State Fire Marshall approved CO Alarm by July 1, 2011. Battery powered units can be used as can plug-in and hardwired units just so long as they have a battery backup. In addition, if the unit doubles as a smoke detector, the alarm sound must be audibly different than the alarm for smoke detection. Much like smoke detectors, property owners will be responsible for maintaining the devices. Tenants must give notice to landlords when Carbon Monoxide Alarms are not operable. From that point, landlords have about 30 days to remedy the situation.

That is pretty much it. Please let us know if you have questions as to whether is required to have a CO alarm in your home or if need a referral to have a unit installed.