Singe-family and two-family homes will now be required to have carbon monoxide alarms...

On February first a new Wisconsin law relating to the use of carbon monoxide alarms in residential homes will take effect. Beginning in February, all single-family and two-unit homes in Wisconsin will be required to have working carbon monoxide alarms installed on every level of the home. The new requirement applies to both new and existing homes that have any type of fuel-burning appliance, such as a stove, furnace, fireplace and others.

Dubbed the "silent killer" carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless and highly toxic gas created by the incomplete burning of fuel. Carbon monoxide has been identified as a leading cause of accidental poisoning in the United States. Carbon monoxide in a home can cause headaches, nausea, disorientation, irritability, loss of consciousness and death.

HOW TO RESPOND
In order to comply with the new requirements, homeowners should install an alarm on every floor or level of the home. The alarms may plug into an outlet, be battery powered, or be hard wired into the home’s electrical system. The alarm may be solely a carbon monoxide alarm or may be a combination smoke/carbon monoxide alarm. The alarm must bear a mark of approval from Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. and should be installed according to the manufacturer’s directions that come with the unit.

Homeowners and renters should also: test their alarms monthly, check and replace the batteries at least one time per year and replace alarms when they reach the end of their life span. Alarms should not be painted over and should be kept clean.