Sunday, March 9, 2008

Home Safety Tips

Install a carbon monoxide detector. It could save your life, and it’s the law. Beginning August 1, 2008, all single family homes in Minnesota will be required to have a CO detector, and beginning August 1, 2009, multi-family homes will be required to have CO detectors in their homes. Homeowners who do not have a CO detector could face serious liability charges if someone in their home is injured or killed by carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas. This gas could build up to a toxic level if your appliances are not maintained or a chimney is blocked or not properly vented.

Daylight Saving Time begins March 9 this year. That’s a good day to remember to change the batteries on your smoke alarms, and this year it’s also a good day to install a carbon monoxide detector. CO Detectors are available at most discount and home improvement stores.

CO alarms can be battery powered or powered by plugging into an outlet or by wiring into the home electrical system. Alarms must conform to the Underwriters Laboratory Standards and located within 10 feet of each bedroom. For more information visit the State Fire Marshal's website at http://www.fire.state.mn.us/.

No comments: