A new State law took effect on August 1, 2009, which requires that all existing multi-family dwelling units must be equipped with one or more carbon monoxide (CO) alarms. This law is intended to prevent unnecessary deaths from CO poisoning caused by a malfunctioning appliance, which burns gas, wood, or other fossil fuels. Examples of appliances which produce carbon monoxide include a gas kitchen range or oven, furnace, water heater, gas or wood fireplace, and of course your motor vehicle.

Since the homes at Brandychase at Shepard Park are individually owned, it is the responsibility of each unit owner to comply with this new law. However, it is likely that many owners are unaware of this new requirement so we are providing you with this information so that you will know what is required and hopefully will comply and thereby protect yourselves and others from the potentially fatal effects of CO poisoning. It also is not difficult to envision the legal liability if someone should die in your home from carbon monoxide poisoning and you had not installed the required CO alarm.

Complying with this new law is easy and inexpensive and should not require a contractor. The alarms can be battery operated so no electrical wiring is required.

The law requires that a CO alarm be installed within 10 feet of each bedroom. If bedrooms are located on separate floors or in separate areas on the same level, additional carbon monoxide alarms are required within 10 feet of each of those areas. Instead of installing multiple CO alarms in the hallways, a separate alarm can be installed inside each bedroom, which is the easiest way to know that you are in compliance, and also provides the best protection. Carbon monoxide alarms are available at most hardware and building supply stores and at retailers such as Target or Walmart. Be sure that the packaging indicates that the alarm meets the latest Underwriters Laboratories Standard, known as UL-2034.

It is critical that the alarm be installed in the proper location within the room. They should not be placed in 'dead' air pockets such as in corners of rooms, at the junction of walls and ceilings, or within 36" of ventilation ducts. Be sure to install the alarm at the height specified in the manufacturer's installation instructions.

Do not confuse a carbon-monoxide-alarm with a smoke alarm. Smoke alarms are designed the smoke particles in the air. However, carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas, which cannot be detected by a smoke alarm. There are combination smoke/carbon monoxide alarm available, but be sure it complies with UL-2034.

If you have additional questions concerning the new carbon monoxide alarm law, please contact the State Fire Marshal Division at 651-201-7200 or visit their website at www.fire.state.mn.us.