For Immediate Release
March 30, 2006
Please Contact: Colin Durrant (617)722-1650 or
Dalié Jiménez, 617-722-1650

New Law Requiring CO Alarms in  Homes
 

Senator Jarrett T. Barrios today reminded his constituents that the new carbon monoxide (CO) alarm law known as "Nicole's Law" will require most Bay State homeowners to install CO alarms in their homes by March 31

“Carbon monoxide can be a silent killer and these alarms can go a long way to prevent future tragedies,” said Senator Barrios. “Along with smoke detectors, CO alarms will help make homes and apartments much safer for families and renters.”

CO is the number one cause of unintentional poisoning deaths in the United States. Nicole’s Law, named after a young girl who died when her home filled with deadly amounts of carbon monoxide, requires buildings with fossil-fuel burning equipment or enclosed parking areas to have CO alarms on every level of the home and within 10 feet of each sleeping area.

According to the 2000 Census, nearly 70 percent of Massachusetts housing uses some form of fossil-fuel based heating, which can generate carbon monoxide. Starting March 31, 2006, fire departments will enforce "Nicole's Law" by inspecting for CO alarms upon the sale or transfer of any residence.

"After Nicole's tragic death, I felt that we needed to do something to honor Nicole's memory and prevent this tragedy from happening to other families," said Senator Therese Murray, Senate sponsor of Nicole's Law. "Since Nicole's Law has been passed, we have already seen numerous lives saved because the increased awareness about the dangers of carbon monoxide."

CO is produced when burning any type of fuel including gasoline, propane, natural gas, oil, wood or coal. If inhaled, CO can lead to breathing difficulties, impaired judgment and damage to the nervous system. Those affected by CO poisoning have symptoms similar to the flu without a fever.

Consumer Information
The Department of Fire Services is distributing A Consumer's Guide to Requirements for Residential Carbon Monoxide Alarms. This guide and information about the regulations can be obtained from local fire departments and on the DFS website at:
http://www.mass.gov/dfs/osfm/pubed/firesafetytopics/carbon_monoxide_safety.htm.

Homeowners should check with their local fire departments with any specific questions about their home or apartment building.

General Requirements
For most residential buildings with fossil fuel burning equipment or enclosed parking areas, the new regulations require carbon monoxide alarms on every level of the home or dwelling unit including habitable portions of basements and attics. On levels with sleeping areas the alarms must be placed within ten feet of the bedroom doors. The regulations allow the following options for CO alarms:
¨ Battery operated with battery monitoring; or
¨ Plug-ins with battery back-up; or
¨ Hard-wired with battery backup; or
¨ Low voltage system; or
¨ Wireless, or
¨ Qualified combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarm.
 

###