New law to require home carbon monoxide detectors

Under a bill signed Friday by Gov. Schwarzenegger, SB 183 is proposed to prevent deaths and injuries caused by carbon monoxide poisoning which is a colorless and odorless gas. By July 2011 California homes will be required to install carbon monoxide detectors.

According to State Sen. Alan Lowenthal, who introduced this legislation in Sacramento and signed by the governor last Friday and was supported by the California Alarm Association and Home Depot, this law is aimed at preventing carbon monoxide deaths which claims approximately 40 California residents each year.

Kevin Nida, president of the California State Firefighters' Assn. said, "SB 183 will help put an end to the senseless deaths and injuries Californians suffer due to accidental carbon monoxide poisoning every year."

SB 183 requires that carbon monoxide detectors will have to be installed in existing single-family homes that currently use fossil-fuel burning appliances, fireplace or have attached garage by July 2011. All remaining home will have to have carbon monoxide detectors in place by January 1st, 2013.